Witch on a Broomstick WhirligigLate 19th century12 1/4 × 12 1/4 × 5 1/4"Paint on wood with twigs and metalGift of Leo and Dorothea Rabkin1987.13.10152386257Artist unidentifiedToys and GamesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesThree Dimensional Works
Unlike the weathervane which is functional by indicating wind direction, whirligigs are more often whimsical and decorative in nature. Whirligigs are similar to weathervanes as both are wind motivated but whirligigs combine windmill action with articulated forms. This example is one of the technically simpler forms with only a single figure motivated by a single propeller. Although whirligigs have taken many forms, there are few examples known in the form of a witch. An almost identical piece was offered for sale in the JAN 1988 issue of Maine Antiques Digest. The advertised piece had been purchased from dealier Evilo Eaton, who in turn had purchased it from MA dealer Beverly Riordan some twenty years previously, but noe of the dealers could provide any new information about the piece.WhirligigUnlike metal weathervanes, which have been commercially produced from molds since the mid-nineteenth century, most whirligigs continue to be handmade and often express the interests and ingenuity of their makers. The most basic whirligig type is a single figure with either paddle arms or a propeller. This whirligig is simple in construction, comprising a brightly painted elemental figure with a propeller at the front. Its interest is derived primarily from the unusual imagery of a witch riding a broomstick, the witch appearing to fly around when the propeller is turned by the wind. Although mythological images were not uncommon in weathervanes, witches were infrequent subjects of American folk art in any medium.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Witch on a Broomstick Whirligig," in American Anthem: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams in association with American Folk Art Museum, 2001), 356.Whirligigs have been made in the United States since at least the early nineteenth century and combine attributes of both windmills and articulated dolls. The most basic type is a single figure with either paddle arms or propellers that rotate when the wind blows, causing the figure to spin around. Complex whirligigs may feature multiple figures, and propellers or wheels that set off a series of activities when motivated by the wind. Unlike weathervanes, which indicate wind direction, whirligigs are usually made purely for amusement and decoration. This whirligig is simple in construction: its primary interest is derived from the unusual imagery of a witch flying on her broomstick, when the propeller is turned by the wind.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Witch on a Broomstick Whirligig," exhibition label from Jubilation|Rumination. Life: Real and Imagined. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.18701899 1987 13 1 Unlike the weathervane which is functional by indicating wind direction, whirligigs are more often whimsical and decorative in nature. Whirligigs are similar to weathervanes as both are wind motivated but whirligigs combine windmill action with articulated forms. This example is one of the technically simpler forms with only a single figure motivated by a single propeller. Although whirligigs have taken many forms, there are few examples known in the form of a witch. An almost identical piece was offered for sale in the JAN 1988 issue of Maine Antiques Digest. The advertised piece had been purchased from dealier Evilo Eaton, who in turn had purchased it from MA dealer Beverly Riordan some twenty years previously, but noe of the dealers could provide any new information about the piece.WhirligigUnlike metal weathervanes, which have been commercially produced from molds since the mid-nineteenth century, most whirligigs continue to be handmade and often express the interests and ingenuity of their makers. The most basic whirligig type is a single figure with either paddle arms or a propeller. This whirligig is simple in construction, comprising a brightly painted elemental figure with a propeller at the front. Its interest is derived primarily from the unusual imagery of a witch riding a broomstick, the witch appearing to fly around when the propeller is turned by the wind. Although mythological images were not uncommon in weathervanes, witches were infrequent subjects of American folk art in any medium.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Witch on a Broomstick Whirligig," in American Anthem: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams in association with American Folk Art Museum, 2001), 356.Whirligigs have been made in the United States since at least the early nineteenth century and combine attributes of both windmills and articulated dolls. The most basic type is a single figure with either paddle arms or propellers that rotate when the wind blows, causing the figure to spin around. Complex whirligigs may feature multiple figures, and propellers or wheels that set off a series of activities when motivated by the wind. Unlike weathervanes, which indicate wind direction, whirligigs are usually made purely for amusement and decoration. This whirligig is simple in construction: its primary interest is derived from the unusual imagery of a witch flying on her broomstick, when the propeller is turned by the wind.
Elizabeth V. Warren, "Witch on a Broomstick Whirligig," exhibition label from Jubilation|Rumination. Life: Real and Imagined. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.