Polar Bear
An accomplished animal sculptor, Roth often modeled his subjects in local zoos. “Polar Bear” is probably his first study of this impressive animal, in which he emphasized its characteristic silhouette and easy, lumbering gait. Roth's careful depiction of the bear’s muscles, bones, and fur reflects his training in both veterinary medicine and art. 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
- Title: Polar Bear
- Artist: Frederick George Richard Roth (American, Brooklyn, New York 1872–1944 Englewood, New Jersey)
- Founder: Cast by Roman Bronze Works
- Date: 1903, cast ca. 1906
- Culture: American
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 4 in. (19.1 x 7 x 10.2 cm)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
- Object Number: 06.400
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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