Jar in the form of a bird

R. W. Martin and Brothers

1888 · Glazed stoneware with wood mount · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

After Charles Darwin’s 1859 book On the Origin of Species introduced scientific theories of evolution to the popular imagination, the idea that humans and animals shared common ancestry provoked fascination and horror. Modeled by Robert Wallace Martin, this winged creature appears uncannily human. Its detachable head can be manipulated to change the bird’s look from charming to menacing.

Artist

R. W. Martin and Brothers

Date

1888

Medium

Glazed stoneware with wood mount

Culture

British, Southall, London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection, Gift of Robert A. Ellison Jr., 2013