Pa. German Toy Rooster with Bellows 1935 - 1942

Isabelle De Strange created this watercolor painting of a Pennsylvania German toy rooster with bellows sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The image offers a window into the material culture and artistic traditions of the Pennsylvania German community, a distinct cultural group with roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe. Roosters held significance in Pennsylvania German folk art, often symbolizing vigilance, courage, and rural life. The toy itself, with its bellows mechanism, reflects the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Pennsylvania German artisans. De Strange's choice to depict this particular object may speak to an interest in preserving and celebrating Pennsylvania German heritage. It might also reflect the artist's social and political views. Further research into the artist's biography, the history of Pennsylvania German folk art, and the social context in which the artwork was created would help us to better understand its meaning.