Rooster Weather Vane c. 1940

This weather vane was carved by Michael Riccitelli, who lived from 1855 to 1995. Although we don’t have an exact date of production, it is likely that the Rooster was made using traditional woodworking techniques. Look closely, and you can see the marks of the carver’s tools – chisels and gouges, perhaps a drawknife or spokeshave. These were used to coax the form out of a solid block, giving it shape and texture. The wood itself has a beautiful grain, which the artist has cleverly integrated into the design, particularly in the rooster's tail. Weather vanes like this were a common feature of rural life, and they speak to a time when people were more closely connected to the natural world. By observing the wind's direction, farmers could make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and other tasks. But consider the labor involved. It connects us to the history of craft, and reminds us of the value of skilled handwork in our increasingly mechanized world. We're prompted to rethink what we mean by art, and to see the beauty in the everyday objects that surround us.