Weathervane: Deer

Date1872-1900

Attributed to L. W. Cushing & Sons (active 18[72?]-1933)

MediumCopper, copper alloy, zinc alloy, gilding, and lead

DimensionsOverall: 25 x 29 1/2 x 4in. (63.5 x 74.9 x 10.2cm)

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family

Object number1979.800.4

Label TextThis deer was one of several weather vanes acquired by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller for display in the Bassett Hall teahouse. The idea of decorating the family's pleasant garden retreat with "outdoor art" may seem logical now, but in the 1930s, few people considered using weather vanes as interior ornaments. The effect must have elicited surprise, amusement, and delight.

L. W. Cushing & Sons produced this deer vane in lengths of twenty, thirty, and fifty inches, with this example being the middle version. Cushing's deer is distinguished by its thick neck, vertically held neck and tail, and front legs folded close to the body.
Weather vanes occasionally fell from their perches and needed repair. It was probably the result of such a mishap that this deer's antlers were broken off and, in a splendid case of misunderstanding, re-attached facing backwards.

ProvenanceIsabel Carleton Wilde, Cambridge, Mass.; John Becker Gallery, New York, NY; purchased from the latter by AAR.

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