Henry P. Wolcott

Copied Olin Levi Warner, Henry P. Wolcott, 1877, bronze, 10 125 344 78 in. (26.614.612.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Carlyle Jones, 1974.88.37
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Henry P. Wolcott
Date
1877
Dimensions
10 125 344 78 in. (26.614.612.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Carlyle Jones
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Occupation — art
  • Portrait male — Wolcott, Henry B.
Object Number
1974.88.37

Artwork Description

In 1877, Olin Warner lived with Henry Wolcott, nicknamed “The Bird.” Wolcott exhibited a painting at the annual show of the National Academy of Design in 1879, but his artistic career was short-lived. Warner was often appalled by his roommate’s drunken antics, reporting to a friend that “The Bird” brought “objectionable friends” home late at night and would turn the “small den and studio into a place of fearful noise and orgy till sometimes the police would interfere.” Despite his disdain for his friend’s lack of discipline, Warner portrayed him in painter’s garb holding a palette.