Reproof

Copied Edward R. Thaxter, Reproof, ca. 1878-1880, marble, 40 X 15 X 15 in. (101.6 x 38.1 x 38.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by Mrs. Alexander Hamilton Rice, 1988.17
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Reproof
Artist
Date
ca. 1878-1880
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
40 X 15 X 15 in. (101.6 x 38.1 x 38.1 cm.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase made possible by Mrs. Alexander Hamilton Rice
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — cat
  • Figure female — child — full length
  • State of being — emotion — anger
  • Animal — bird
Object Number
1988.17
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1988.17

Artwork Description

In Reproof, a young girl sternly scolds her cat, who has just attacked a bird's nest. She clutches the cat to her chest and looks at it disapprovingly, while waving her hand in discipline. Meanwhile, a dead bird lies at her feet and feathers hang limply from the cat’s mouth. This scene is a prelude to the responsibilities of motherhood: the young girl who is now reprimanding her cat will have to ensure that her own children are well behaved in the future. Although Edward Thaxter's life was short, he excelled in creating detailed neoclassical sculpture. He made at least five marble copies of Reproof.