Tin Man

Unidentified, Tin Man, n.d., welded, riveted and galvanized steel and copper, 36 x 18 x 13 in. (91.4 x 45.7 x 33.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1996.26.4
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Artwork Details

Title
Tin Man
Artist
Unidentified
Date
n.d.
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
36 x 18 x 13 in. (91.4 x 45.7 x 33.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
welded, riveted and galvanized steel and copper
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure male — full length
Object Number
1996.26.4
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.26.4

Artwork Description

Metalworkers often placed “tin men” outside their workshops to attract attention from passersby. These figures, constructed from standard ventilation ducts, show the range of materials and techniques used by the tradesman. In Tin Man the artist welded and riveted sections of sheet metal and flexible tubing together. The steel is galvanized to prevent rusting, which suggests the maker intended to place the figure outside.

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