Jar in the form of a bird
After Charles Darwin’s 1859 book On the Origin of Species introduced scientific theories of evolution to the popular imagination, the idea that humans and animals shared common ancestry provoked fascination and horror. Modeled by Robert Wallace Martin, this winged creature appears uncannily human. Its detachable head can be manipulated to change the bird’s look from charming to menacing.
Artwork Details
- Title: Jar in the form of a bird
- Maker: R. W. Martin and Brothers (British, 1873–1915)
- Date: 1888
- Culture: British, Southall, London
- Medium: Glazed stoneware with wood mount
- Dimensions: Overall (confirmed, on socle): 12 3/16 × 6 7/16 × 6 7/16 in., 6 lb. [body (a) 4 lb., head (b) 2 lb.] (31 × 16.4 × 16.4 cm, 2.7 kg)
- Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
- Credit Line: Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection, Gift of Robert A. Ellison Jr., 2013
- Object Number: 2013.239.5a, b
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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