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Performing Elephant

Founder Cast by Roman Bronze Works
1902, cast ca. 1906
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 774
An accomplished animal sculptor, Roth portrayed humorous aspects of animal life, often modeling his subjects in local zoos. "Performing Elephant" and its companion piece (06.402) are among a series of sculptures depicting circus animals performing stunts. Here the elephant struggles to perch on a wooden tub, its tremendous weight balanced on just two legs. Roth’s careful depiction of the elephant's muscles, bones, and leathery hide reflects his training in both art and veterinary anatomy. This statuette is one of six in the Metropolitan’s collection that was purchased from Roth in 1906, at a time when the museum was making a special effort to collect smaller bronzes by American sculptors.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Performing Elephant
  • Artist: Frederick George Richard Roth (American, Brooklyn, New York 1872–1944 Englewood, New Jersey)
  • Founder: Cast by Roman Bronze Works
  • Date: 1902, cast ca. 1906
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 3 in. (15.2 x 15.2 x 7.6 cm)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
  • Object Number: 06.401
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Plaque with elephants
Frederick George Richard Roth
Grueby Pottery
ca. 1907–12
Pig Scratching, Frederick George Richard Roth American, Bronze, American
Pig Scratching
Frederick George Richard Roth
Roman Bronze Works
1903, cast ca. 1906
Polar Bear, Frederick George Richard Roth American, Bronze, American
Polar Bear
Frederick George Richard Roth
Roman Bronze Works
1903, cast ca. 1906
Performing Elephant, Frederick George Richard Roth American, Bronze, American
Performing Elephant
Frederick George Richard Roth
Roman Bronze Works
1902, cast ca. 1906
Pig Tied to a Stake, Frederick George Richard Roth American, Bronze, American
Pig Tied to a Stake
Frederick George Richard Roth
Roman Bronze Works
1903, cast ca. 1906

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