Dalmatian

Copied Unidentified (American), Dalmatian, 20th century, carved and painted wood with metal and resin, 13 3420 186 in. (34.951.215.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.292
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Artwork Details

Title
Dalmatian
Artist
Unidentified (American)
Date
20th century
Dimensions
13 3420 186 in. (34.951.215.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood with metal and resin
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — dog — dalmation
Object Number
1986.65.292

Artwork Description

Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages and calm the horses when they were spooked. When horse-drawn fire engines first appeared in America, Dalmatians rode as mascots, and they are still associated with firefighters today. The unknown artist may have made this sculpture as a “pet” for his children, who would have enjoyed riding on the animal’s back.