Weather Vane: Model Fire Engine

c. 1937

Beverly Chichester

Associated Names
Beverly Chichester

Artist, American, active c. 1935

This is a painting of a horse-drawn steam-powered fire engine. The image portrays a historical fire engine, featuring two galloping horses harnessed to a steam-powered device mounted on large wooden-spoked wheels. There is a cylindrical steam engine prominently displayed at the front of the vehicle, complete with pipes and valves. The horses are depicted in mid-stride, conveying a sense of motion and urgency. The wheels of the vehicle are connected by a series of metal bars. This painting captures a blend of animal power and early industrial technology, likely reminiscent of firefighting techniques from the past.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 45.5 x 73.3 cm (17 15/16 x 28 7/8 in.)
    Original IAD Object: 50" long

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.7697


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1950

  • Christensen, Erwin O., The Index of American Design, New York: 1950, p. 47, no. 85.

1970

  • Hornung, Clarence P., Treasury of American Design. New York, 1970: 95, pl. 296.

Inscriptions

lower right in watercolor: Beverly Chichester

Wikidata ID

Q64537589

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