Weather Vane Finial c. 1937

Salvatore Borrazzo made this drawing of a weather vane finial, but we don't know when. The image raises questions about how rural life is represented and valued. The drawing depicts a robust bull, rendered with attention to anatomical detail. Weather vanes, traditionally functional objects indicating wind direction, often feature animals, but this choice speaks to the cultural and economic importance of cattle in America, perhaps referencing agricultural fairs or rural industries. The bull as a weather vane connects to the rise of industrial agriculture. To fully understand this artwork, we might research Borrazzo's background, the role of Italian immigrants in American industry, and the cultural symbolism of cattle in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The meaning of such an artwork is always contingent on social and historical context.