Bear Walking

Albert Laessle, Bear Walking, 1916, bronze on marble base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1971.122
Albert Laessle, Bear Walking, 1916, bronze on marble base, 3 3⁄4 x 4 1⁄2 x 2 3⁄8 in. (9.6 x 11.3 x 6.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1971.122

Artwork Details

Title
Bear Walking
Artist
Founder
Roman Bronze Works
Date
1916
Location
Dimensions
3 3⁄4 x 4 1⁄2 x 2 3⁄8 in. (9.6 x 11.3 x 6.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on marble base
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — bear
Object Number
1971.122
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1971.122

Artwork Description

Albert Laessle enjoyed working with animals so much that he eventually bought a studio in the country where he could keep his own. His subject matter was not always taken as seriously as that of other sculptors; even as an animal sculptor his choice of insects, lizards, frogs, and snails was uncommon among professional sculptors of his day. But it is precisely that uncommon element that makes Laessle’s work special and continues to give it a unique, imaginative spark. Unlike some artists who chose to sculpt animals for their decorative value, Laessle chose them for their expressive potential.

Works by this artist (33 items)

View all artworks
Albert Laessle, Billy, 1914, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1971.123
Billy
Artist
Date1914
bronze
On view
Albert Laessle, Defiance, 1939, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1971.124
Defiance
Artist
Date1939
bronze
On view
Albert Laessle, La Source, 1909, bronze on marble base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.94
La Source
Artist
Date1909
bronze on marble base
On view
Albert Laessle, Kingcrab and Beetle, 1903, bronze on marble base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.93
Kingcrab and Beetle
Artist
Date1903
bronze on marble base
On view

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Lady Godiva
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Figures of Night (for Moods of Time)
Artist
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