Will o’ the Wisp

Copied 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
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Will o’ the Wisp
Artist
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
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — reptile — turtle
  • Fantasy — winged being
  • Animal — reptile — turtle
  • Object — other — torch
  • 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.