Bronze Turkey

Albert Laessle, Bronze Turkey, ca. 1911, bronze on marble base, 31 ¹⁄₂ x 24 ³⁄₄ x 26 ³⁄₄ in. (80 x 62.9 x 67.8 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, 1972.167.81

Artwork Details

Title: Bronze Turkey
Artist: Albert Laessle
Date: ca. 1911
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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W330
Dimensions: 31 ¹⁄₂ x 24 ³⁄₄ x 26 ³⁄₄ in. (80 x 62.9 x 67.8 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle
Mediums: bronze
Mediums Description: bronze on marble base
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Animal — bird — turkey
Object Number: 1972.167.81
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.81

Artwork Description

Albert Laessle's sculptures of insects, lizards, frogs, and snails were not always taken as seriously as the works of other animal sculptors. Laessle chose to sculpt animals because he found them to be as expressive as people. He enjoyed working with animals so much that he eventually moved his studio to a farm in the Pennsylvania countryside. Laessle gave this turkey enormous tail feathers to emphasize the bird's proud preening in the farmyard.