Cat from a Ball Toss Game

Unidentified (American), Cat from a Ball Toss Game, ca. 1920, painted canvas with leather, wood and metal, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.287
Copied Unidentified (American), Cat from a Ball Toss Game, ca. 1920, painted canvas with leather, wood and metal, 14 1⁄2 x 7 5⁄8 x 6 in. (36.9 x 19.5 x 15.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.287
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Artwork Details

Title
Cat from a Ball Toss Game
Artist
Unidentified (American)
Date
ca. 1920
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
14 1⁄2 x 7 5⁄8 x 6 in. (36.9 x 19.5 x 15.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
painted canvas with leather, wood and metal
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — cat
Object Number
1986.65.287
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.65.287

Artwork Description

Ball-toss games are a traditional part of carnivals and fairs. The artist designed this piece to land upright when thrown, reflecting the saying that a cat always lands on its feet. Visitors to fairgrounds won prizes by throwing a ball like this to knock down cans, pass through holes, or land within targets.