Will o’ the Wisp

Harriet Hosmer, Will o' the Wisp, modeled 1858, marble, 32 ¹⁄₂ x 16 ³⁄₄ x 17 in. (82.5 x 42.5 x 43.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1987.3

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Artwork Details

Title: Will o’ the Wisp
Artist: Harriet Hosmer
Date: modeled 1858
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 32 ¹⁄₂ x 16 ³⁄₄ x 17 in. (82.5 x 42.5 x 43.2 cm.)
Credit Line: Museum purchase
Mediums: marble
Mediums Description: marble
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Object — other — torch
Animal — reptile — turtle
Animal — reptile — turtle
Fantasy — winged being
Animal — bird
Object Number: 1987.3
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1987.3

Artwork Description

Harriet Hosmer created Will o’ the Wisp as a companion piece to the highly successful statue of Puck, the bawdy clown from Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Will o’ the Wisp is based on the folktale of a fairy who turns into a phosphorescent glow, covering the marshes at night to mislead travelers. The pointed ears and horns allude to his mischievous character, and his bat wings and the owl atop his head refer to his nocturnal nature. The torch cradled in his right arm symbolizes his ability to assume a glowing form. Despite its appeal, Will o’ the Wisp---nicknamed “my daughter” by the artist---was not as popular as Puck.