Rooster 1865 - 1890

This Rooster was made by Wilhelm Schimmel, likely in the late 19th century, from carved and painted wood. Schimmel was an itinerant artist, and his sculptures were made quickly, with simple tools; his work reflects both the Pennsylvania folk tradition and his own distinct style. You can see the marks of his knife on the surface of the wood, indicating a direct, hands-on process. The paint is applied in a similarly unpretentious way, simply and boldly describing the form. The use of wood, a readily available material, speaks to the resourcefulness of folk art, which often repurposes what is at hand. Note how the techniques used – carving and painting – are not aligned to academic training, but a vernacular tradition of craft. Schimmel’s rooster blurs the lines between fine art and craft. By considering the work’s making, we appreciate the artist's skill and the cultural context of the object.