Cow weathervane c. 1870

This gilded copper cow weathervane was made by Cushing & White around 1870, during the height of their production. It's a remarkable example of industrial craft, made in a Boston factory that specialized in these objects. The process started with thin sheets of copper, hammered into shape using molds. These were then joined together, the seams concealed, and gilded to a bright gleam. Weathervanes like these are a curious intersection of sculpture, industrial manufacturing, and agricultural life. The gilding, though, is perhaps the most fascinating aspect. It was applied in small squares, a labor-intensive process that contrasts with the mechanized aspects of the weathervane's production. Consider how this combination of hand work and factory production reflects the complex social and economic changes underway in America at that time. It blurs lines between art, craft, and industry, reminding us that these categories are never as clear-cut as we might think.