The Hunter

Albert Laessle, The Hunter, 1908, bronze on marble base, 3 183 186 14 in. (7.87.915.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.92

Artwork Details

Title
The Hunter
Date
1908
Dimensions
3 183 186 14 in. (7.87.915.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on marble base
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — insect — beetle
  • Animal — amphibian — frog
Object Number
1972.167.92

Artwork Description

Albert Laessle enjoyed working with animals so much that he eventually bought a studio in the country where he could keep his own. His subject matter was not always taken as seriously as that of other sculptors; even as an animal sculptor his choice of insects, lizards, frogs, and snails was uncommon among professional sculptors of his day. But it is precisely that uncommon element that makes Laessle’s work special and continues to give it a unique, imaginative spark. Unlike some artists who chose to sculpt animals for their decorative value, Laessle chose them for their expressive potential.

Works by this artist (8 items)

Charles Shaw, Untitled, 1941, oil on fiberboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost, 1986.92.90
Untitled
Date1941
oil on fiberboard
Not on view
Charles Shaw, Space Curve, 1964, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1967.44
Space Curve
Date1964
oil on canvas
Not on view
Charles Shaw, Untitled Abstraction, 1943, oil on fiberboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost, 1986.92.91
Untitled Abstraction
Date1943
oil on fiberboard
Not on view
Charles Shaw, Montage (#458), ca. 1935-1950, painted paper tarot cards, mother-of pearl jetons, and painted wood snuff box mounted on silk, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost, 1986.92.88
Montage (#458)
Dateca. 1935-1950
painted paper tarot cards, mother-of pearl jetons, and painted wood snuff box mounted on silk
Not on view