Weather Vane c. 1937

"Weather Vane" is a c. 1937 drawing by John Davis (1855-1995) depicting a stylized wooden weather vane, featuring a Native American on horseback with a spear in hand, in pursuit of a panther. The drawing showcases Davis’s interest in Americana and folk art, which often explored the themes of Native American culture and rural life. This piece serves as a visual documentation of a traditional, functional object, capturing the intricate detail and craftsmanship of early American woodcarving. The depiction of the weather vane as a subject, rather than the object itself, speaks to the artistic sensibility of the time, and its small size and delicate details, make it a unique piece in Davis’s body of work.