Billy

Albert Laessle, Billy, 1914, bronze, 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
Copied 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

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).