Hunter or Soldier

Date1825-1850 (possibly)

MediumPainted basswood and tinplate

DimensionsOverall: 14 1/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 1/2in. (36.2 x 14 x 6.4cm)

Credit LineGift off Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1931.700.1

DescriptionA polychromed woodcarving of a man, his arms made separately and freely pivoting from metal pins fastened into the body. His fists are clenched and have small (now empty) holes cut through them. Arms aside, he is carved from a single piece of wood. He stands on a green mound and wears a single-breasted, long-tailed, red-lined, green coat with red sleeves, black belt, yellow breeches tucked into tall black boots, and a green visored cap with a red tassel. A sword that once hung from his belt is missing. He wears a yellow horn from a red rope over his proper left shoulder. His hair is brown, and he has a brown moustache and goatee. Artist/Maker unidentified.
Label TextBecause of the man's pivoting arms, he was once thought to be a whirligig. More likely he was made as a toy, but what he once held in his hands is unknown. His attire suggests a European origin.
ProvenanceFound in Pennsylvania by Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, NY; purchased from Halpert by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who was CWF's donor.