Polar Bear

Frederick George Richard Roth

1903, cast ca. 1906 · Bronze · The American Wing

An accomplished animal sculptor, Roth often modeled his subjects in local zoos. “Polar Bear” is probably his first study of this impressive animal, in which he emphasized its characteristic silhouette and easy, lumbering gait. Roth's careful depiction of the bear’s muscles, bones, and fur reflects his training in both veterinary medicine and art. 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

1903, cast ca. 1906

Medium

Bronze

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1906