Horse and Sulky Weathervane

Copied Unidentified, Horse and Sulky Weathervane, early 20th century, carved and painted pine and pneumatic tires, A (man and sulky): 18 1411 127 34 in. (46.229.219.7 cm.) B (pole and ball): 11 12 in. (29.2 cm.); 3 18 in. (7.8 cm.) diam. C (east directional): 14 124 1214 in. (36.811.30.5 cm.) D (north directional): 14 144 3814 in. (36.211.10.5 cm.) E (south directional): 144 1412 in. (35.610.81.1 cm.) F (west directional): 14 124 1214 in. (36.811.40.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase from the folk art collection of David L. Davies, 1992.12.1A-F
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Artwork Details

Title
Horse and Sulky Weathervane
Artist
Unidentified
Date
early 20th century
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
A (man and sulky): 18 1411 127 34 in. (46.229.219.7 cm.) B (pole and ball): 11 12 in. (29.2 cm.); 3 18 in. (7.8 cm.) diam. C (east directional): 14 124 1214 in. (36.811.30.5 cm.) D (north directional): 14 144 3814 in. (36.211.10.5 cm.) E (south directional): 144 1412 in. (35.610.81.1 cm.) F (west directional): 14 124 1214 in. (36.811.40.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase from the folk art collection of David L. Davies
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted pine and pneumatic tires
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure male
  • Architecture — vehicle — cart
  • Animal — horse
Object Number
1992.12.1A-F

Artwork Description

The first known weather vane sat on top of the Tower of the Winds in Athens during the first century BC. The rooster weather vane, or weathercock, appeared a thousand years later when a papal edict announced that every church must carry the symbol of a rooster. This was to remind the faithful of Peter's betrayal of Jesus, who said that the cock would not crow until Peter had denied him three times. In the nineteenth century, people made weather vanes showing everyday activities. Horses represented transportation, sport, and social status, and many craftsmen made weather vanes of record-winning racehorses. (Charles Klamkin, Weather Vanes, 1973)