Weathervane: Rooster

Date1875-1890

Possibly by Rochester Iron Works

OriginAmerica, New Hampshire, Rochester (possibly)

MediumCast, sheet iron, and zinc

DimensionsOverall: 22 7/8 x 24 1/2 x 4 1/4in. (58.1 x 62.2 x 10.8cm)

Credit LineFrom the collection of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; gift of the Museum of Modern Art

Object number1931.800.8

DescriptionA weather vane of a rooster, the iron body cast in two halves soldered together with a sheet iron tail riveted between them. Artist unidentified.
Label TextCast iron is an unusual choice for a weather vane because of its weight. The maker of this vane, who may have been associated with a stove manufacturer, recognized that the same casting methods could be applied to weather vane manufacturing. The body of the vane was cast in two halves, then the sheet- iron tail was sandwiched between the sections before assembly.
Numerous vanes of this design and in various sizes have been located but none is signed or firmly associated with a specific maker.
ProvenanceEdith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, NY; acquired from Halpert by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; given by the latter to The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY, in 1939; given by MoMA to CWF in June 1954.

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