Weathervane: Rooster

Date1875-1900

OriginAmerica, New England or New York (probably)

MediumCopper, gilt, and paint

DimensionsOverall: 34 1/4 x 29 3/4 x 3 1/2in. (87 x 75.6 x 8.9cm)

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1932.800.1

DescriptionA weather vane in the form of a rooster consisting of two molded halves soldered together, with various feathers clearly distinguished and delineated. The crest, wattle, and tail are separate sheets of copper, cutout and applied. The tail feathers are marked by curving dents and lines. The fowl's head is held high, thrown back. Its feet are hollow and stationed behind the support pole. Traces of yellow paint and gilding remain on the body. Artist unidentified.
Label TextThe vane's pattern carver used imaginative repeating lines to stylize the bird's feathers: parallel vertical lines flow downward from the head to indicate the bird's hackle; eight rows that diminish in size delineate its saddle feathers; and large, sweeping sickle feathers compose the fowl's elegant tail.
ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Elie Nadelman, Riverdale, NY; Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, NY; purchased from Halpert by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who was CWF's donor.