Weathervane: Liberty Enlightening the World

DateProbably 1900-1910

MediumCopper and zinc alloy

DimensionsOverall: 39 1/4 x 36 3/4 x 2 1/2in. (99.7 x 93.3 x 6.4cm)

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1932.800.4

DescriptionFactory made copper weathervane. Made in two sections of copper and hammered out. Copper soldered together at seams, and tiny metal strut in center of dress holds sections away from each other to give body full bodied appearance. Spires of hat, sheet metal added later, as were feathers of arrow. Liberty is molded after the Statue of Liberty. She holds a tablet of laws in her left arm and right hand holds a flaming torch high above her head. She has long hair and‚ wears a hat with spires on it. Her dress is in long Grecian-like folds and the sleeves end above her elbows. She stands on a copper arrow with zinc head which indicates the directions of the wind.
Label TextWeathervane manufacturers periodically introduced fresh, timely designs to remain competitive and to encourage new business. The inspiration for this vane was clearly the Statue of Liberty, which at the time was a fairly recent addition to the New York skyline. The statue was dedicated in 1886 and created a vast outpouring of excitement and national pride. Undeterred by the fact that the figure has insufficient horizontal elements to be turned effectively by the wind, weathervane makers capitalized on the figure’s popularity. To counteract the deficiency, firms mounted the lady on an arrow having a weighted point and broad feathers. Probably several companies made similar vanes, but only two are known to have illustrated the design in their catalogues: the J. L. Mott Iron Works of New York City and Chicago and J. W. Fisk of New York City.

ProvenanceFound in Maine and purchased by Mrs. Rockefeller from Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, N. Y.

Exhibition(s)

America's Folk Art