Bronze Turkey

Albert Laessle, Bronze Turkey, ca. 1911, 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, 1972.167.81
Copied Albert Laessle, Bronze Turkey, ca. 1911, bronze on marble base, 31 1⁄2 x 24 3⁄4 x 26 3⁄4 in. (80 x 62.9 x 67.8 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
Artist
Date
ca. 1911
Location
Dimensions
31 1⁄2 x 24 3⁄4 x 26 3⁄4 in. (80 x 62.9 x 67.8 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
Subjects
  • Animal — bird — turkey
Object Number
1972.167.81
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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.