Gnome

Copied Paul Manship, Gnome, 1955, bronze on marble base, 8 145 184 78 in. (21.013.012.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.16

Artwork Details

Title
Gnome
Artist
Date
1955
Dimensions
8 145 184 78 in. (21.013.012.5 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on marble base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Fantasy — elf
Object Number
1966.47.16

Artwork Description

Gnome, or Grotesque Figure, was designed for the Infant Hercules Fountain at the American Academy in Rome. Paul Manship created the fountain in appreciation of the three years he spent at the academy. Each of the six gnome-shaped waterspouts has the head of a satyr, or a half goat, half man creature, and a decorative body inspired by ancient sculptures of India. Manship cast the gnomes separately some forty years after the original fountain was complete.