Sleeping Coon Cat

William Zorach, Sleeping Coon Cat, ca. 1964, cast and patinated plaster, 5 149 188 14 in. (13.323.221.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach, 1970.65.14

Artwork Details

Title
Sleeping Coon Cat
Date
ca. 1964
Dimensions
5 149 188 14 in. (13.323.221.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Tessim Zorach
Mediums
Mediums Description
cast and patinated plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — cat
Object Number
1970.65.14

Artwork Description

William Zorach made this patinated plaster cast of Sleeping Coon Cat from an original carved directly in stone. The sculptor used the plaster in turn to make seven bronze casts. Coon cats are native to Maine, where Zorach lived for much of his life. The animal is a sturdy, outdoorsy breed with fur resembling that of a raccoon, that has adapted to the harsh winters of Maine. They are very intelligent and have a friendly nature, serving as excellent companions for people of all ages. Zorach captured this coon cat at a moment of rest, thus preserving the memory and loyalty of a family pet.

Works by this artist (744 items)

William Zorach, Head of Etta Cone, 1943, cast plaster on plaster base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.152
Head of Etta Cone
Date1943
cast plaster on plaster base
On view
William Zorach, Seated Girl (with hands under legs), 1930, cast and patinated plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1971.449.8
Seated Girl (with hands under legs)
Date1930
cast and patinated plaster
On view
William Zorach, Undaunted (Torso), 1963, cast plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1971.449.17
Undaunted (Torso)
Date1963
cast plaster
On view
William Zorach, Study for Head of Moses, ca. 1950, unfired ceramic, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.161
Study for Head of Moses
Dateca. 1950
unfired ceramic
On view

More Artworks from the Collection

William Zorach, Figure of Child (with clenched fists), 1921, cast plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.118
Figure of Child (with clenched fists)
Date1921
cast plaster
Not on view
William Zorach, Head of Etta Cone, 1943, cast plaster on plaster base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.152
Head of Etta Cone
Date1943
cast plaster on plaster base
On view
William Zorach, Standing Cat with Long Tail, ca. 1927, plaster/cast and patinated, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.139
Standing Cat with Long Tail
Dateca. 1927
plaster/cast and patinated
Not on view