Bronze Turkey

Media - 1972.167.81 - SAAM-1972.167.81_1 - 64732
Copied Albert Laessle, Bronze Turkey, ca. 1911, bronze on marble base, 31 1224 3426 34 in. (8062.967.8 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, 1972.167.81

Artwork Details

Title
Bronze Turkey
Date
ca. 1911
Dimensions
31 1224 3426 34 in. (8062.967.8 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
Keywords
  • Animal — bird — turkey
Object Number
1972.167.81

Artwork Description

Albert Laessle's sculptures of insects, lizards, frogs, and snails were not always taken as seriously as the works of other animal sculptors. Laessle chose to sculpt animals because he found them to be as expressive as people. He enjoyed working with animals so much that he eventually moved his studio to a farm in the Pennsylvania countryside. Laessle gave this turkey enormous tail feathers to emphasize the bird's proud preening in the farmyard.