Performing Elephant

Frederick George Richard Roth

1902, cast ca. 1906 · Bronze · The American Wing

An accomplished animal sculptor, Roth portrayed humorous aspects of animal life, often modeling his subjects in local zoos "Performing Elephant" and its companion piece (06.401) are among a series of sculptures depicting circus animals performing stunts. Here the elephant struggles to perch on a wooden tub, its tremendous weight balance on just two legs. Roth’s careful depiction of the elephant's muscles, bones, and leathery hide reflects his training in both art and veterinary anatomy. This statuette is one of six in the Metropolitan’s collection that was purchased from Roth in 1906, at a time when the museum was making a special effort to collect smaller bronzes by American sculptors.

Artist

Frederick George Richard Roth

Date

1902, cast ca. 1906

Medium

Bronze

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1906