Bulldog

Copied Paul Manship, Bulldog, 1906, bronze, 2 1441 78 in. (5.810.14.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.41

Artwork Details

Title
Bulldog
Artist
Date
1906
Dimensions
2 1441 78 in. (5.810.14.9 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — dog — bulldog
Object Number
1966.47.41

Artwork Description

Paul Manship’s large figural groups are idealized and refer to mythic characters and stories. The artist used the same stylization in his animal sculptures as in his figural groups, but to different effect. In an intimate scale, this stylization accentuates the decorative quality of each animal. By exaggerating certain features or expressions, Manship also lets a little bit of their personalities peek through. This is especially visible in his gilded works, where the gold patina highlights the contours of the animal’s forms and their precise surface details. Many of Manship’s animal sculptures were originally created as part of his design for the gates of New York’s Bronx Zoo.