Dalmatian

Copied Unidentified (American), Dalmatian, 20th century, carved and painted wood with metal and resin, 13 3⁄4 x 20 1⁄8 x 6 in. (34.9 x 51.2 x 15.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.292
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Artwork Details

Title
Dalmatian
Artist
Unidentified (American)
Date
20th century
Location
Dimensions
13 3⁄4 x 20 1⁄8 x 6 in. (34.9 x 51.2 x 15.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood with metal and resin
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — dog — dalmation
Object Number
1986.65.292
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.65.292

Artwork Description

Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages and calm the horses when they were spooked. When horse-drawn fire engines first appeared in America, Dalmatians rode as mascots, and they are still associated with firefighters today. The unknown artist may have made this sculpture as a “pet” for his children, who would have enjoyed riding on the animal’s back.