Defiance

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
Copied Albert Laessle, Defiance, 1939, bronze, 31 x 16 3⁄8 x 27 1⁄2 in. (78.6 x 41.6 x 69.8 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, 1971.124

Artwork Details

Title
Defiance
Artist
Date
1939
Location
Dimensions
31 x 16 3⁄8 x 27 1⁄2 in. (78.6 x 41.6 x 69.8 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
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — reptile — snake
  • Animal — bird — eagle
Object Number
1971.124
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1971.124

Artwork Description

For many years, Albert Laessle worked out of a country studio, allowing animals such as chickens and goats to be a part of his daily routine. Laessle's fascination with animals started when he was a boy and a classmate brought a snapping turtle into science class. The entire class crowded around the turtle, watching its every move. Close study of animals was crucial to Laessle's artistic process, whether he was observing them in their natural habitat or in the Philadelphia Zoo. He wanted to understand completely the spirit of the animal he was portraying, and often gave them almost human characteristics. In Defiance, Laessle depicted a powerful eagle with an air of dignity and spirit by emphasizing the bird's rigid posture and wind-blown plumage.