Collection Highlights
The Daughters of Heber Reginald Bishop (Elizabeth, Harriet, Mary, and Edith)
ca. 1895
1905.22
Watercolor on ivory
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Portrait of a Heroic Fireman
Title
Portrait of a Heroic Fireman
Date
ca. 1857
Medium
Polychrome painted and carved wood
Dimensions
Overall: 100 x 66 x 44 in. ( 254 x 167.6 x 111.8 cm )
Description
Polychrome carved wooden sculpture of male figure in fireman's uniform and hat; left arm raised with finger pointed, right hand holding a speaking horn; on square pedestal. The sculpture is fashioned from primarily one piece of wood with additions in multiple pieces for the arms, horn, left foot, drapes and pockets of the coat, helmet, medallion, and base. The wood has been carved and painted, there are multiple layers (5-6) of paint, and a coating layer that covers portions of the sculpture.
Credit Line
Purchased from Elie Nadelman
Object Number
1937.328
Gallery Label
This imposing figure was long believed to depict Harry Howard (1822-1896), the Chief Engineer of New York City's Volunteer Fire Department from 1857 to 1860. However, it likely represents a generic heroic fireman. The figure originally stood in front of Fireman's Hall at 127-129 Mercer Street in New York City. It was then placed atop the cornice of the department's new headquarters, constructed in 1854 on the same site.
Provenance
Firemen's Hall, Mercer Street, 1850s-after 1865; Volunteer Firehouse, Paterson, New Jersey, after 1865-1936; The Folk Art Collection of Elie Nadelman
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
