Butter Print: Cow

DatePossibly 1850-1870

MediumWood

DimensionsOverall: 1 1/8 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/4in. (2.9 x 8.9 x 8.3cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.

Object number1982.708.3

DescriptionButter print face carved with cow standing in profile but looking toward viewer, with sun and radiating rays behind him. Design is hand-carved into the plank grain (shrinkage in vertical diam. is across the grain, resulting in a face shrunk out of round into an elliptical shape). Once had handle made of separate piece of wood but now missing.

Artist unidentified.
Label TextFittingly, cows were the most popular barnyard animal used to decorate butter prints. The placement of this cow against the sun's rays makes the cow a more effective focal point than the commonly found design of the cow surrounded by grass and leaves.
InscribedNo original inscriptions found. On the back, in red- orange paint, is, "W127 8(?) 6LL(2)", perhaps a former accession no.
ProvenanceGift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.