Poodles

MakerMade by Luman Pierre Kelsey American, 1905 - 1961

Date1930-1940s

MediumCast artificial stone

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 14 x 3 7/8 x 2in. (35.6 x 9.8 x 5.1cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Luman P. Kelsey

DescriptionPair of sculptures made of solid pink or light reddish-brown "cast stone," an artificial stone material composed of lime and a polyester binder, that was cast in a mold. The abstract, elongated sculptures each consist of a short, triangular head, long neck, arched, long legs, and a nearly spherical tail. The surface of each sculpture is smooth, but pitted. Each sculpture is nearly identical, with only slight differences in color.

Object number1977.93.17.1-.2

NotesTechnique Note: According to hand-written notes in the file for 1977.93.1-.21, Luman Kelsey was a self-taught potter who experimented with a material he called "cast stone". Cast stone is composed of a "lime and polyester binder -- invented formula. ... Many failures. After making cast -- from molds -- a lot of work making the finished look like stone. It is breakable." The author of the note is unknown, but was probably a curator or administrator at the Connecticut Historical Society. (Hunt 2/9/2005)
The same hand-written notes also indicate "Poodle, 'snooty'. cast (not a giraffe) pair" referring to 1977.93.17.1-.2. (Hunt 2/10/2005)

Subject Terms