Squirrel Cage

Copied Unidentified (American), Squirrel Cage, ca. 1875, metal, wood, and glass, overall: 3432 1412 18 in. (86.381.930.8 cm.) A (cage and base): 21 3432 1412 18 in. (55.081.930.8 cm.) B (cone shaped piece): 5 12 in. (14.0 cm.); 3 34 in. (9.5 cm.) diam. C (flag): 17 123 1834 in. (44.58.01.8 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.327A-C
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Artwork Details

Title
Squirrel Cage
Artist
Unidentified (American)
Date
ca. 1875
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
overall: 3432 1412 18 in. (86.381.930.8 cm.) A (cage and base): 21 3432 1412 18 in. (55.081.930.8 cm.) B (cone shaped piece): 5 12 in. (14.0 cm.); 3 34 in. (9.5 cm.) diam. C (flag): 17 123 1834 in. (44.58.01.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
metal, wood, and glass
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — art object — sculpture
  • Object — other — container
Object Number
1986.65.327A-C

Artwork Description

A squirrel cage is any cage with a cylindrical framework that allows small animals to run inside it. This piece, with its elaborate turret, flag, and windows, was likely used for entertainment. The owner probably trained small animals to perform tricks, then charged people a small fee to watch the show.