-Cupola- still bank c. late 19th century

Curator: I’m immediately struck by its delightful shabbiness! There’s such an endearing, worn quality to it. Almost like a beloved childhood toy unearthed from grandma's attic. Editor: Indeed. What we have here is a metal, mixed-media sculpture known as "-Cupola- still bank," believed to be crafted in the late 19th century by an anonymous artist here in the United States. Currently, it’s a charming part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. Curator: It really sparks joy. The colors are so simple and optimistic - red and green, very cheerful. And those little embossed windows are so sweet! You can almost hear the clink of pennies dropping inside. Editor: The architectural elements are certainly a focal point. The symmetrical placement of windows flanking the central door, the simple form of the cupola atop the gabled roof; they speak to a clear, uncomplicated understanding of structure. One might observe this structure to evoke a childlike understanding of what a “bank” looks like. Curator: Do you think it was actually used to hold money, or just meant as a decorative piece? I find it fascinating to imagine it sitting on a shelf, slowly filling up with the savings of a child... all their hopes and dreams symbolized in pennies. Editor: Functionally, its purpose as a repository for coins is quite straightforward. However, stylistically, this bank encapsulates a uniquely "naïve" aesthetic – one can detect an earnest sincerity. We can study the relationship of its visual cues through the lens of American folk-art, tracing its themes back to architectural mimcry and financial aspiration. Curator: It feels wonderfully American in a very down-to-earth way, like something passed down through generations. Not pretentious or flashy, but meaningful. And a touch whimsical! Editor: Precisely, a tangible artifact blending financial discipline and artistic sentiment. A very rewarding thing to see, here in our permanent collection. Curator: Makes you wanna start saving again, doesn't it? Gives us something to reach for! Editor: Agreed, its tactile presence fosters a link between finance and folk expression. It has certainly provided a new context for viewing historical American metalwork!