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Goddess of Liberty weather vane

Possibly by: William G. Henis (American, active 1860–after 1886)
1860–80
Object Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Medium/Technique Copper with traces of gilding
Dimensions 92.7 x 73.7 x 7.6 cm (36 1/2 x 29 x 3 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf
Accession Number2008.46
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSculpture
The personification of Liberty is often associated with a loose, pointed cap, named after the ancient Phrygians, who wore it to distinguish free men from slaves. Citizens of ancient Rome later adopted the cap, and its symbolism was revived during the American Revolution as a common emblem of freedom. Following the War of 1812, the Goddess of Liberty became a popular symbol in the United States and was often shown holding the cap aloft on a pike. By mid-century she began to appear, as here, on weather vanes, wearing the cap and pointing into the wind with her outstretched arm.

ProvenanceWilliam Putnam, Concord, NH; to Herbert Smith, Falls Church, VA; to Steven Miller, American Folk Art, New York, NY; December 1982, purchased by Frederic A. and Jean Sharf; 2008, gift of the Sharfs to the MFA. (Accession date: March 26, 2008)