Rooster weathervane c. 1860

A.L. Jewell & Company crafted this “Rooster Weathervane” from copper in the mid-19th century. Notice the patina, a testament to the material's interaction with its environment over time. The rooster's form is articulated with striking clarity. Its silhouette, defined by clean lines, creates a bold and legible visual against the sky. Consider the tail feathers; they are not mere decoration but structurally essential, catching the wind and fulfilling the vane’s practical function. The rooster transcends pure representation, embodying signs of rural life, direction, and even a certain rustic pride. It functions as both an aesthetic object and a utilitarian device, pointing to how art can be embedded in everyday structures. The design flattens the form, emphasizing the two-dimensional plane. Consider the implications of this design choice, as this weathervane is not simply a sculpture but a commentary on the fusion of form and purpose.