American Weathervanes from a Distinguished Maine Collection

The wind is our most immediate predictor of weather, an endlessly fascinating phenomenon for human observation and discussion. The practice of gauging wind direction dates as far back as ancient Greece, and decorative weathervanes were common on churches in medieval Europe. Early settlers brought the tradition to America, where it evolved from its religious and scientific roots to become a thriving, creative industry and a means for self-expression. The works in this exhibition, drawn from a private collection in Maine, represent some of the finest designs and iconic forms of the late nineteenth century, the heyday of weathervane production.