Weathervane: Shooting Star

Date1800-1825

MediumCopper, copper alloy, lead, iron, paint, and gilding

DimensionsOverall (including pole): 50 1/2 x 64 1/4 x 4in. (128.3 x 163.2 x 10.2cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960.800.4

DescriptionA sheet copper weather vane in two parts, the upper consisting of a stationary 12-pointed star, or sunburst, on the top of the pole; the lower part consists of a horizonal loop with another star, or sunburst, at its outer (loop) end, the other, shorter end falling on the other side of the vertical support pole and consisting of two straps joined at a three-dimensional, diamond-shaped point, with two shorter straps curving, one upwards and one downwards, and terminating in small rosettes. The whole is painted yellow and black.

Artist unidentified.
Label TextThis unusually large, early vane is similar to others found in New England, especially central Connecticut, where it may have originated. Many variations of the abstract design have been recorded, but typically they include a stationary star or sunburst on top of the pole, with a second star or sunburst trailing the lower horizontal loop, which has a three-dimensional diamond-shaped pointer at its opposite end. The horizontal loop connects these vanes to the early banner, or banneret types that derived from Medieval pennants of cloth. The design was particularly favored for churches and meetinghouses.
ProvenanceStony Point Folk Art Gallery, Stony Point, NY.

Exhibition(s)