Fame Weathervanec. 189039 × 35 3/4 × 23 1/2"Copper and zinc with gold leafGift of Ralph Esmerian2005.8.620Three-dimensional figure of Fame holding a laurel wreath in the hand of her upraised (P) right hand, blowing an attenuated trumpet held steady with her (P) left hand. Standing on point (P) left foot on orb, wearing classical dress, wings spread behind. upraised (P) right foot. Retaining traces of the original silver, gilding with verdigris.1545143353E.G. Washburne & Co.ArchitectureThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster22629New YorkNew YorkUnited StatesNew York"The Guide"Three Dimensional WorkseMuseum - Collection HighlightsNew York
This angel was suspended from 206 Fulton Street from 1908 to January 1963, when it was purchased by the Century Boat Co., who had admired it for years when it hung outside the third floor window at 206 Fulton Street. 1892 Mott catalogue has similar vane.The Greek goddess and allegorical figure of Fame is an ambivalent character whose wreath bestows either fame or notoriety with equal dispatch. Fame then trumpets this news far and wide. This beautiful example has well-preserved details and a fine old surface. It may have been the last weathervane of its type manufactured by E.G. Washburne & Company of New York. The company was founded by Isaiah Washburne in 1853 at 708 Broadway. In 1907 the operation was moved to 207 Fulton Street, where the Fame Weathervane was installed until 1963.Weathervanes are used as wind indicators and weather predictors and were of primary importance throughout the nineteenth century, when many occupations were itinerant or otherwise dependent upon outdoor conditions. Historically, they have represented some of the earliest and most significant sculptural forms produced in America. The first weathervanes were usually mounted on churches and other prominent structures within a community, and often had significance as religious symbols. Over time they also functioned as trade signs or ornamental sculptures, with major centers of production in Boston and New York.
This weathervane depicts the Greek goddess and allegorical figure of Fame. She is an ambivalent character whose wreath bestows fame or notoriety and whose trumpet spreads news far and wide. This beautiful example may have been the last weathervane of its type to be manufactured by E.G. Washburne & Company of New York, which was founded by Isaiah Washburn in 1853 at 708 Broadway. In 1907, the operation was moved to 207 Fulton Street, where the Fame Weathervane was installed until 1963.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Fame Weathervane," exhibition label for Folk Art Revealed. Stacy C. Hollander and Brooke Davis Anderson, curators. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2004.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orghttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster22629http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster22629http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster2262918851895 2005 8 62 This angel was suspended from 206 Fulton Street from 1908 to January 1963, when it was purchased by the Century Boat Co., who had admired it for years when it hung outside the third floor window at 206 Fulton Street. 1892 Mott catalogue has similar vane.The Greek goddess and allegorical figure of Fame is an ambivalent character whose wreath bestows either fame or notoriety with equal dispatch. Fame then trumpets this news far and wide. This beautiful example has well-preserved details and a fine old surface. It may have been the last weathervane of its type manufactured by E.G. Washburne & Company of New York. The company was founded by Isaiah Washburne in 1853 at 708 Broadway. In 1907 the operation was moved to 207 Fulton Street, where the Fame Weathervane was installed until 1963.Weathervanes are used as wind indicators and weather predictors and were of primary importance throughout the nineteenth century, when many occupations were itinerant or otherwise dependent upon outdoor conditions. Historically, they have represented some of the earliest and most significant sculptural forms produced in America. The first weathervanes were usually mounted on churches and other prominent structures within a community, and often had significance as religious symbols. Over time they also functioned as trade signs or ornamental sculptures, with major centers of production in Boston and New York.
This weathervane depicts the Greek goddess and allegorical figure of Fame. She is an ambivalent character whose wreath bestows fame or notoriety and whose trumpet spreads news far and wide. This beautiful example may have been the last weathervane of its type to be manufactured by E.G. Washburne & Company of New York, which was founded by Isaiah Washburn in 1853 at 708 Broadway. In 1907, the operation was moved to 207 Fulton Street, where the Fame Weathervane was installed until 1963.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Fame Weathervane," exhibition label for Folk Art Revealed. Stacy C. Hollander and Brooke Davis Anderson, curators. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2004.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org