Decorative Arts Exhibition Features 
Animal Sculpture in the Folk Tradition
(April 2005 #013)

For Immediate Release

CHADDS FORD, PA—The Brandywine River Museum proudly presents Animal Sculpture in the Folk Tradition, an exhibition bringing together outstanding examples of folk sculpture from museums and private collections. It opens with the Volunteers’ Antiques Show on May 28 and continues through July 24.

The term “folk art” was coined by artists and collectors in the early 20th century to describe an array of traditional and beautifully decorated, yet common, objects. They believed that in these objects the true origins of American art resided. Simple in form, the items often express the maker’s strong sense of design, imagination and innovation. Over time, some types of folk-carved and embellished household items were transformed from merely decorative items into sculptural works of art. 

Much carved wooden sculpture was created by farmers, carpenters, sailors and tradesmen in their leisure hours. The objects often decorated their homes or were presented as gifts. Consequently, many works were not signed, and the makers of existing folk sculpture are frequently anonymous. 

Artists looked to the ordinary for subject matter, and they used everyday tools to carve the forms of animals with which they were familiar. This exhibition presents a fascinating selection of such folk sculpture, encouraging an examination of diverse carving styles and creative designs. 

The eagle was a favorite theme for carvers, including one of the most noted folk sculptors of the 19th century, Wilhelm Schimmel (1817-1890). His eagles vary in size from mere inches to several feet. Eagles were his signature pieces, but Schimmel is also known for representations of other animals such as roosters, parrots and lions.

Birds frequently appeared in Pennsylvania-German art. A bird tree is a sculpture that places intricately carved birds of various species within the framework of a highly stylized, yet often lavishly carved treelike support. The bird tree in the exhibition is an excellent example from the late 19th century. The birds, painted in reds, yellows, browns and blacks, are attached to the ornate tree with coils of wire, allowing them to bob gently on the branches when the tree is moved. 

Since medieval times, the rabbit has been associated with rebirth and fertility and, like the bird, is a harbinger of spring in rural communities. Pennsylvania-German farmers depicted the rabbit in chalkware, paintings, wood carvings and other media used by folk artists. The large, wooden rabbit in the exhibition is purely decorative. 

Many folk artists focused on single objects that took advantage of the natural, undulating forms they found in tree roots and, with minimal sculpting, polishing, and painting, created root snakes. The root snake in the exhibition is painted with a beautiful, spotted pattern, and its charm is heightened by a protruding red leather tongue. 

Edgar Alexander McKillop (1879-1950) was known for a wide range of carvings using walnut wood which he enhanced with bone teeth and glass eyes. Animals were his favorite theme; his highly finished yet chunky carvings emphasize the inherent qualities of his subjects. His squirrel is a fine example of his stylized carving. 

Gray Eagle, a Native-American artist, created objects that are faithful to animals’ natural shapes. Gray Eagle’s carving of a green, yellow and red box turtle was used as an ice fishing decoy. It is a notable feature of the exhibition, as is another decoy, the Great Horned Owl, originally created by the Herter’s Company of Waseca, Minnesota. The solid form of the owl is painted with brown horizontal striations that resemble ruffled breast feathers. The wide glass eyes and sharp beak give the figure a predatory air. 
The animal most often represented in American folk art is the dog. The carver of the Dalmatian here clearly captured the dog’s energetic pose. Alert and ready to play, the mouth is parted in an amiable smile, and the tail is captured in mid-wag. 

Whether created to while away leisure hours, for decoration, or for utilitarian purposes, all of the works included in Animal Sculpture in the Folk Tradition demonstrate the whimsical charm and diverse beauty of folk sculpture. 

Located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the Brandywine River Museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Christmas Day. Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for seniors ages 65 and over, students with I.D., and children ages 6 to 12; and free for children under six and Brandywine Conservancy members. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywinemuseum.org