End of Day

Copied Paul Manship, End of Day, 1909, terra cotta, 8 3411 127 12 in. (22.329.119.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1965.16.51

Artwork Details

Title
End of Day
Artist
Date
1909
Dimensions
8 3411 127 12 in. (22.329.119.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
terra cotta
Classifications
Subjects
  • Allegory — time — evening
  • State of being — mood — weariness
  • Occupation — labor
  • Animal — horse
Object Number
1965.16.51

Artwork Description

End of Day combines several of the young Paul Manship's early influences. Scholars cite the piece's similarity in style to the work of his teacher, Solon Borglum (1868–1922), and also attribute his interest in labor to the sculptures of Belgian artist Constantin Meunier (1831–1905), whose work Manship saw firsthand in Rome. Manship's sculpture shows a farmer leaning against his horses as if he would not be able to stand upright without them. The man's posture echoes the shapes in the horses' bodies, emphasizing the close bond between man and beast.