Blériot Model XI Monoplane weathervane

Unidentified

ca. 1909–13 · Copper with traces of original gilding · The American Wing

Foremost an indicator of wind direction, the Blériot Model XI Monoplane weathervane is among the few forms that represent an airplane. The gilded sheet copper airplane is distinctive not only for its commanding scale and sophistication of assembly, but also for its reference to a historical event. It was modeled after the Blériot Model XI Monoplane that the French aviator and engineer Louis Blériot flew across the English Channel on July 25, 1909, marking the first airplane flight across the channel. Blériot put the plane into production, and it soon held records for flying speed, altitude, and distance; it was popular to race in both Europe and the United States. This weathervane was presumably made in response to races held between French and American aviators in Poland Spring and Portland, Maine, sometime after Blériot’s historic flight. The weathervane was likely commissioned specifically for the Poland Spring House, a prominent grand resort hotel in Poland Spring, and was placed on its rooftop by 1914 where it remained until 1973.

Artist

Unidentified

Date

ca. 1909–13

Medium

Copper with traces of original gilding

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Michael and Patricia Del Castello, 2022