Nineteenth-century weathervanes were fashioned from iron, zinc, copper, and other metals that could be molded, cast, and wrought. The finished form was positioned on the tops of buildings, where they were often the highest element visible in a vernacular landscape. The metals used to form the bodies of these vanes were prone to deterioration when exposed to the elements. As functional sculptures that indicated wind direction, it was also necessary for weathervanes to be eye-catching. As a result, weathervanes were most usually gilded with gold leaf that protected the metal and glinted in the sun, drawing attention to their fantastical silhouettes outlined against the sky.

Stacy C. Hollander, "Grasshopper Weathervane," exhibition label for Ooh, Shiny!. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.