Tobacconist Figure: Turk

Date1875-1890

OriginAmerica, New Jersey, Monmouth County

MediumPainted pine

DimensionsOverall: 42 x 11 x 10 1/2in. (106.7 x 27.9 x 26.7cm)

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1932.705.1

DescriptionA carved and painted, wooden, three-dimensional figure of a short, slightly stout man standing on a painted wooden block. He wears a blue- and red-striped turban, black shoes, greenish-yellow trousers, a black belt, a white shirt, a blue coat, and a red cape. A black tassel fastens the cape. He has heavy black eyebrows and a long black moustache. His eyelashes are individually painted. In his proper right hand, he grasps an ambiguous form presumably representing a cigar. Artist unidentified.
Label TextCarved and painted three-dimensional "show figures" often were used as advertisements instead of (or in addition to) flat signboards. They varied in size. Usually, smaller ones were displayed on counters or in windows, while larger ones stood at floor level either inside or, more often, outside shop entrances.
Representations of Indians usually advertised tobacco products, but a fair number of other figural or character types were also used for this. The vaguely Middle Eastern appearance of this squat figure identifies him as a "Turk" or "Sultan," an association meant to suggest imported, particularly Turkish, tobacco. In this instance, the overall elliptical form of the figure even suggests a cigar.
ProvenanceThe 1931 Newark exhibition catalogue (see "Published") lists the piece as having been loaned by "O'Cro'Coc' House." Nothing is known about this former owner, who evidently also supplied the catalogue statement that the piece was "made in Monmouth County, NJ"; Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, NY; Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., by whom given to CWF.