Albert Laessle, Billy, 1914, bronze, 24 3⁄4 x 9 1⁄4 x 36 1⁄8 in. (62.9 x 23.4 x 91.9 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, 1971.123
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Billy
- Artist
- Date
- 1914
- Location
- Dimensions
- 24 3⁄4 x 9 1⁄4 x 36 1⁄8 in. (62.9 x 23.4 x 91.9 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
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Animal — goat
- Object Number
- 1971.123
Artwork Description
Billy memorializes a popular billy goat from a petting zoo in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square. The gentle animal let children ride him around the park and quickly became a popular attraction. Albert Laessle spent a lot of time sketching Billy's every detail, including his bristling back, which was eventually "worn smooth by many a rider" (Grafly, "Beauty and Humor in Animal Sculpture of Albert Laessle," Christian Science Monitor, February 20, 1922).