Let's end our parade of Summer "Hot Dogs" with this curious little pup—a cast bronze canine, a symbol of "Puppy Love." For on the bottoms of each of his paws are found the letters L, O, V & E. Give him to a sweetheart. Or keep him for yourself, a reminder of that special someone who once (inexplicably?) haunted your consciousness. This little rascal—impressionistic though he is—radiates playful curiosity and energy.
We are counting-down the last of the "Dog Days of Summer"—a forty day period scheduled to end on 11 August. To commemorate these waning days of Summer, we'd like to share some of our favorite "canines" from the LEO Design collection. Consider sending one as a gift to your favorite dog lover.
Our little pup, shown above, is as winsome as he is determined. Formed of cast iron, he is painted—mostly black, but finished with a red bow. Click on the photo above to learn more about him.
Before the days of residential air conditioning, windows were left open—and doors required "fixing-open," to prevent them from slamming-shut in a breeze. A wooden wedge-shaped offcut was all one needed to stop a door. But how much fun is that? Metal foundries stepped-in to produce a wide variety of doorstops (and other metal household items), often highly decorative). Hubley Manufacturing was one such company. Founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1894 by John Hubley, the company made a range of decorative sand-cast iron doorstops, some of them modeled after different breeds of dogs. The process started by carving an excellent wooden model—complete with details like fur, musculature and facial features. The model was then pressed into a tray of sticky sand,...
We are counting-down the last of the "Dog Days of Summer"—a forty day period scheduled to end on 11 August. To commemorate these waning days of Summer, we'd like to share some of our favorite "canines" from the LEO Design collection. Consider sending one as a gift to your favorite dog lover.
Speaking of the Dog Days, this "Slouchy Puppy" really hits the mark. His sculptor imbued the form—cast brass finished with a rustic verdigris patina—with a slouchy puppy's energy (or lack thereof). He could be used to hold-up some hardbacks. But he was made to sit on your coffee table, bookshelf or nightstand—relaxed, attentive and always ready to join you on the next adventure.
We are counting-down the last of the "Dog Days of Summer"—a forty day period scheduled to end on 11 August. To commemorate these waning days of Summer, we'd like to share some of our favorite "canines" from the LEO Design collection. Consider sending one as a gift to your favorite dog lover.
"Man's Best Friend" is certainly apt—to anyone who has had and loved a dog. This sculpted bird dog—standing quietly attentive—should remind any sportsman of a favorite hunting companion. He's cast in brass and finished with a rusticated verdigris bronze patina. He'll stand loyally on your desk or bedside table—awaiting the signal to fetch your game.
LEO is here! It's 23 July, the first day of LEO—namesake, of course, of my favorite shop, LEO Design. It is also my X-tieth birthday, one I'd prefer to ignore. (Don't we get a three year "birthday rebate" because of Covid?) Instead, let me turn your attention to the regal lion, majestic embodiment of the LEO sunsign. This winsome feline guards the deposits held at Dollar Bank on Pittsburgh's Fourth Avenue—once known as the city's Wall Street. The bank was founded in 1855 and this handsome (and imposing) flagship location was built in 1871 (with 14,000 tons of Connecticut brownstone). The original pair of lion sculptures were carved by 28-year-old German immigrant, Max Kohler (assisted by a 25-year-old Welshman, Richard...
Although we have been "in-summer" for a full two weeks, it really seems to be kicking-in now, with the temperature spiking and Independence Day behind us. I find myself heading out to my garden early in the day—before it gets too hot. If I can do my weeding and trimming and fertilizing before 10:30 am, I can shower and focus on "work" for the rest of the day. These working dogs—English Birddogs—seem to be enjoying a cooling splash in a steam. They also seem to like getting out of the house and into the countryside. Though I have endured many a hot day in England, on the whole, there is nothing more beautiful than an English Summer. The light, the...
Let's start here: not all putti have wings. Yes, some (like Cupid) are winged. And, yes, Baroque churches and palaces often showed flying putti holding-up the ceiling or other architectural elements. But putti need not be winged. They are usually shown as chubby, naked, male toddlers. Another distinction: putti are not angels. Cherubs got their start in pre-Christian mythology and were thought to be able to influence (or interfere with) human lives—for good or bad. Cupid is one such cherub (known in Greek as Eros). He is the little god of sexual desire and erotic passion, hardly the proper job description of an angel. Angels, on the other hand, are intermediaries (or ambassadors) of God—often sent as a messenger or...
The classic Spanish novel, Don Quixote, is a masterpiece of Western literature. Published in two parts (in 1605 and in 1615), this book by Miguel de Cervantes is considered by some scholars to be the World's first modern novel—and amongst the foundational works in the Western canon. Cervantes has given us a misguided dreamer, an idealistic romantic on a hopeless quest to rekindle chivalry and valor in the world (a "Quixotic" ambition, indeed). And Cervantes has also provided the classic sidekick, Sancho Panza, whose earthy simplicity provides a shockingly clear (and often funny) counterpoint to the hero's whimsy.
It's Star Wars Day. May the Fourth be with you!
Although this "holiday" is only casually observed, it has developed resonance with some—especially space movie geeks and Science Fiction aficionados. It will be followed closely by "Geek Pride Day" on 25 May, the date on which the original Star Wars movie was released in 1977. (I remember going to see Star Wars on opening weekend with my father. What a landmark event that movie release was to become!)
The cast bronze bank, shown above, holds coins and opens with the turn of a screw. A stately star sits near the cockpit. Four stylish fins hold the rocket aloft.
Spring is here—and, with it, comes the increasing presence of avian life: bird song, fluttering and the empty halves of turquoise egg shells, tossed from the nests above. When I first moved to Pittsburgh, six years ago, I was astounded by the din of morning birds—loud and oh, so early. By now, I've grown accustomed to the ruckus, much as I grew used to the clatter of automobile traffic when I lived in New York City.
For a more controlled birdie-reverberation, consider this cast bronze bell. A quiet chickadee perches atop a twig—atop a bell. He'll only tinkle when you tell him to. Handsome, practical, and perfect for the bird lover in your life.
In much of the world, today is Labor Day, a day when nations celebrate and honor their working people. Working people—people who use their bodies to build, transport and repair—are responsible for building nations and keeping them running. A strong, skilled and well-compensated working class makes for a strong and agile nation. Making something with one's hands provides tremendous satisfaction. Making tangible an idea—a vision, a drawing, a plan—brings fulfillment to many a craftsman. And we cannot live in a world of abstract technology. We need shelter, food and the tools which make life easier for us. And these essentials are provided by those who make them with their hands. The Danish Modern stoneware sculpture, shown above, portrays a blacksmith...
Happy Easter! And a Blessed Ramadan and Passover, too. This week, all three Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, Islam—simultaneously celebrate their important annual holy days, a coincidence which only happens approximately once every 30 years. For Christians, Easter commemorates the fundamental belief that Jesus rose from the dead, thus saving the World. Easter marks the end of the 40 day Lenten Journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. With Passover, Jews celebrate their covenant with God—and His deliverance from from their slavery in Egypt. Muslims observe a month of fasting, prayer and good works, a regimen of sacrifice, discipline and spiritual cleansing. In all three religions, prayer, fasting and almsgiving (or good works) play a critical role in preparing one to better encounter...
President's Day—which we celebrate today—naturally provokes a tendency to create lists, subjective rankings of the best and worst chief executives of all time. I'm not immune to this tradition. Typically, I restrict my analysis to those presidents in-position during my lifetime (Kennedy to Biden)—unless I am considering Lincoln, usually my all-time favorite. Now, back to my lifetime. I have no doubt which man was the worst president in my lifetime (hugely); both the worst executive and the worst person. I am likewise certain who my favorite president is (born 718 days and 1.7 miles from my birthplace). There is another president who holds a sacred spot in my heart—and I'm praying for him at this moment. While in-office, President Jimmy Carter was dealt an extremely difficult hand. Economics, geopolitics,...
Valentinus—today known as "Saint Valentine"— was a Roman priest (and possibly a bishop) in Third Century Rome. He ministered to the persecuted Christian locals which angered the authorities and, eventually, led to his arrest. Valentinus was brought before the emperor, Claudius Gothicas, who came to like the priest. But, when Valentinus pushed too hard to convert the emperor, the monarch provided his own ultimatum: the priest must renounce his Christian faith or he would be clubbed and beheaded. The priest refused to renounce his faith and was martyred on 14 February 269. Before he was killed, however, Valentinus is said to have restored the sight and hearing to his jailer's daughter.
On this day in 1302, the poet Dante Alighieri—Italy's greatest and one of the World's most important writers ever—was condemned to banishment from his beloved Florence. Dante found himself on the losing side of a fierce Florentine political battle. When his side, "The White Guelphs," lost the struggle, Dante was banished from his home city on pain of death. He moved to Ravenna, about 75 miles away, where he lived-out the rest of his days. And, by the way, it was in Ravenna that he wrote his most important works—works that changed the face of Western literature and influenced our perception of Heaven and Hell. Dante was buried in the the cemetery of the Church of San Pier Maggiore.
Jackrabbits are a variety of hare which lives in the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The fact that they are hares—not rabbits—is an important distinction.
Rabbits are more socially gregarious than hares, and their naked babies are born in underground burrows, called "warrens." Rabbits have been successfully domesticated, both in farming and as pets. Hares, on the other hand, tend to live more independently (sometimes in pairs). Babies, called "leverets," are born fully-furred, in above-ground nests, and they are mobile (and can defend themselves) almost immediately after birth. Their mother does not stick-around much beyond initial nursing. And hares have not been known to be well-adapted to intimate life with humans.
This "Rabbit of the Year" is scampering to center stage, ready to fulfill his starring role: "I'm late! I'm late!" This stoneware bas relief plaque, made in California, is finished with an aqueous aqua-green glaze. Fitted with a hang wire, the tile is ready to hang in just-the-right spot. He'll be a reminder to all—and especially to those born under the Rabbit—to scurry now, relax later. Good advice, indeed. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome sculpted decoration. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center...
The Lunar New Year festivities last for two weeks (and, of course, The Year of the Rabbit lasts all year). So let's share a few more rabbits over the next few days. This adorable bunny—a silver-plated wind-up music box—is haunched in concentration, licking his paws or planning what to do next. He plays "Rock-a-Bye, Baby." While the music box is meant as a gift for an infant, it's been even more popular as an interesting desk item for grownups (perhaps, especially, those born under The Year of the Rabbit). Click on the photo above to learn more about him. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our...
The New Moon "emerged" on Saturday at 3:55 pm (Eastern Time)--ushering-in the Lunar New Year and The Year of the Rabbit. A "New Moon" is the opposite of a Full Moon—that is, the time when no illuminated disk is visible (to the naked eye) from Earth. In fact, during a New Moon, the Moon is positioned precisely between the Sun and the Earth. When the Sun and the Earth are on opposite sides of the Moon, we on Earth cannot see the illuminated side of the Moon (which is facing the Sun). It takes 29.5 days for the Moon to circle (orbit) the Earth, during which time the Moon completes its cycle of "phases": from New Moon (invisible) to...
Victoria Regina died on this day in 1901—after a 63 year (and 216 day) reign as Queen of England. Hers remained the longest reign in British history until Queen Elizabeth II, who died last year, surpassed her (at 70 years, 214 days). The death of Victoria ushered in the reign of her oldest son, Edward VII, and the modernizing Edwardian Era.
The world changed so much during the Victorian Era: the Industrial Revolution, the expansion of modern empires (and the accumulation of power and wealth which came with it), advances in science and medicine, and the growth of travel by increasing numbers of people.
I've been taking classes at Carnegie Mellon University through the Osher Lifelong Learning Program. Bernard Osher, a San Francisco businessman, left an endowment to create continuing education departments at various universities across the country. The Osher Program is now represented at 125 American Universities (spanning the country)—and provides quality, affordable continuing education (and intellectual and social engagement) for people over the age of 50. The new semester began a couple of weeks ago and I'm already behind on my reading! I'm taking a class on Shakespeare in which we are reading, studying and discussing Henry V (amongst other plays). While most of the courses I've taken at Osher do not require much (if any) reading, one cannot really study Shakespeare with...
Germany was the birthplace of Modernist church design (both Catholic and Protestant) in the Twentieth Century. In the Twenties, through the end of the Weimar Republic (1918-1933), Germany took-the-lead in building new religious spaces with a radical, Modernist look. Before World War One, the Church looked-backward for its design inspiration. By emulating older schools of design—principally the Romanesque and the Gothic—the Church believed it was reinforcing the continuity between the modern Church and all that had come before. But, for a few years, German church designers moved in the new, Modernist direction—until the Nazis (who abhorred any Modernist expression) came to power. With very few exceptions, the Germans were quite alone in this early modernization. Modernism would not become popular in churches...
It is not only one week 'til Christmas. It is also the first night of Hanukkah! Hanukkah—the eight night "Festival of Lights"—celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple by God's People of Israel. The Books of Maccabees relates a story that only one night's worth of lamp oil could be found—and yet—the lamp burned for eight nights. Hanukkah menorah have eight candles, one for each night of the celebration, plus the "shammash" or "attendant" candle which is placed higher (or lower) than the other eight. This shammash candle is used to light the other eight candles—one each night. The Modernist bronze menorah, shown above, is ready for the Holiday Season. Click on the photo above to learn more about it....
When I was a kid, I was a member of the 4-H "Horsemanship Project" on Kauai. I had a horse, "Chiquita," who required daily care. I hadn't even heard of "stabling"—and my family would certainly not have paid for it. Instead, every day after school, I'd head for the pasture, feed and groom Chiquita, and fill her bathtub "trough" with the gallons of water which we had to transport with us (no running water at our remote pasture). Most days I would ride; some days I'd have a riding lesson. And, if there was not enough grass for her in the pasture, I would go out with my sickle and cut for her a small truckload of long (itchy!) "elephant" grass....
A pair of pressed glass pine trees will glisten from your dining table, windowsill or mantelpiece. Put them out for the Holidays, for the Winter Season, or just leave them out all year long
God willing—by tonight—the 2022 Senate Election will have been concluded. The Great State of Georgia holds its Senate run-off election today. I'm hoping for a decisive win by a wide margin. Please, no more "eleven thousand . . . seven hundred . . . eighty" vote differentials. With this election wrapped-up, the Senate can get back to work. And we can all look-forward to 2024 (or whichever year that campaign kicks-off).
The wooden donkey toy, shown above, has articulated joints, wheels-for-feet, and its original curdled black paint. I'm not sure if his expression is a smirk or a grimace. But I do know that your favorite Democrat will display him with pride.
The world, today, finds itself in a very tentative place. Amongst the big worries is the hair-trigger relationship between the United States and Iran, specifically Tehran's potential nuclear capability. Meanwhile, the streets of Iran are packed with young people demonstrating their dissatisfaction with their country's strict religious authoritarianism. Naturally, I feel supportive of Iranian youth struggling for freedom, human rights and modernity. Alas, many are paying a horrific price for their activism. It goes without saying, therefore, that today's big football match—the US vs. Iran—bears more weight than your typical Tuesday afternoon sporting match. In their first match at this World Cup (vs. England) the Iranian team remained silent while their national anthem played. They refrained from singing the lyrics. This act...
This winsome Christmas tree ornament—sculpted and cast in pewter—will add a cool and wint'ry folk art touch to your Holiday decorating. It was hand-made in California and also could be used as a stylish (and seasonally appropriate) candlesnuffer.
All work and no play makes any scholar a dull student (or so the saying goes, approximately). So take a break, a moment to relax and re-focus with this heavy brass puzzle, made in Brooklyn. Solid brass rods are finely machine-turned—engineered with exacting precision—which assemble into the three dimensional cruciform sculpture, shown above. Weighty enough to be functional as a paperweight; handsome enough to be a decorative conversation piece on the desk.
For better or worse, some Americans cannot (or will not) separate their favorite academic institutions from the institution of American Football. The Autumn—with its sweaters, crisp temperatures, and crackling leaves—means Back-to-School and the start of Football season. Tailgates, marching bands, gambling brackets. Some schools (and student bodies) are better known for their American Football prowess than they are for their academic achievements. Personally, I'd prefer a world where educators prioritized educating—and sports games were just a casual, weekend distraction. But such is a minority view amongst the concepts of conferences, school budgets and broadcast rights. Shown above, a Japanese crystal American Football sculpture, made by Sasaki. It could be used as a paperweight on the desk or an interesting conversation piece in...
I opened my first shop, at 413 Bleecker Street, in 1995. Within three years I had expanded to a second space, LEO Design Studio at 28 Jane Street. This allowed me much needed space to buy and sell more furniture and other big pieces (including the occasional container from London). It also provided storage and workspace for us to clean and prepare merchandise for sale in the original (and much smaller) shop. But, with two monthly rental payments, more employees, and duplicate insurance, telephone & utility bills, my "monthly nut" became much harder to crack. One of my customers, a woman who lived just around the corner, happened to be an astrologist. She and I would talk about the name...
Dachshunds are consistently amongst the most popular of dog breeds with pet owners. They are lively, devoted and fiercely protective of their masters. The origins of the breed, however, are somewhat clouded in mystery. We know that they were developed in Germany as "scent hounds"—to hunt badgers and other burrowing mammals (say rabbits or foxes). The early German name, Dachs Krieger, means "badger warrior" and is found in-print from the 1700's. The American Kennel Club contends that the breed was established in the 1500's. The long body (and snout) allows the animal to crawl down into holes, in pursuit of prey. Loose skin prevents the dachshund's skin from tearing if caught on the walls of a burrow. Long, drooping ears keep dirt...
Yesterday was such a nice day on the water, that I couldn't help but spend one more day at the beach. Take a look at these handsome (and practical) Italian pewter seashells: stylish and sophisticated place card holders. And if beach-inspired place settings don't interest you (can't imagine why not), they are also perfect for holding a note card on the desk, a photo at the bedside, or a descriptive card at a gallery, in a showcase or on a buffet table. Each of the eight cardholders is a different shell, some a little larger than others.
We have spent the last few days of August celebrating the "Dog Days of Summer." We end our "Parade of Dogs" with this handsome cast iron doorstop, made in the Teens or Twenties, by Hubley (founded in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania). There was a time, in the late 19th Century or early 20th Century, when the benefits of "the new industrial production" overlapped with an old-time insistence upon good taste and high quality. "In the old days," useful objects had to be produced by hand, one-by-one. Skilled artisans made wrought iron gates, mantelpieces, manhole covers. These items, before the Industrial Revolution, could only be purchased as bespoke, hand-crafted objects. Production was slow and, usually, expensive. Then came modernization—in the second half of the 19th...
Some things do get better! Proof: "It's a dog's life." When the phrase was first coined, seemingly in the 16th Century, the phrase referred to a life of misery, hunger and difficulty—a wretched existence. At that time, most dogs were hardly coddled. They were probably kept out-of-doors, in the cold, heat or rain. They were fed on scraps, perhaps eating only what they could find for themselves. And they were likely to be worked hard: as shepherds, ratters or pulling a dog cart. "A Dog's Life" was not luxurious, indulgent or pampered. Other phrases—"dying like a dog," "dog tired," "going to the dogs," or "dog eat dog"—all have similar, unhappy connotations. Today, however, especially amongst people under 50, "A Dog's Life" connotes...
We are spending the last few days of August celebrating the "Dog Days of Summer." Enjoy our "Parade of Dogs" as we trot towards the cooler days of September.
Though simply sculpted, this "bird dog" sculpture captures Man's Best Friend as loyal, friendly, and attentive. He's cast in brass, then finished with an aged verdigris bronze patina. He'll stand devotedly upon your desk, shelf or bedside.
Yesterday we discussed Rob Roy, the horse who meets a tragic end in the 1877 novel, Black Beauty. The horse is put-down, shot, after breaking his leg during a fox hunting jumping accident. His rider, George Gordon, dies, too, having broken his neck in the fall. Black Beauty was written by English author Anna Sewell and it is her only published work. It was written in the final years of her life and published a short five months before her death. Sewell had been injured in an accident as a child and, due to poor medical treatment, was never able to walk again. She spent much of her life sick and bedridden, though, when she was able to leave the house,...
As we creep through he hottest days of Summer, a timely reminder: stay cool, take it slow. This Edwardian English brass tortoise has all the right moves. Place him on a shelf, windowsill or stack of papers on your desk. He'll have barely moved when you come back.
We're three months away from the 2022 General Election! I'm not sure (yet) if this ornery little donkey is laughing or screaming. (Check-back in November!) As for me, I'll be spending Election Day volunteering as a poll worker at my neighborhood site, a short two blocks away from my home. It's at the Soldiers & Sailors' Memorial Hall, here in Oakland (Pittsburgh's "second city"). It's a long day: 6:00 am until 9:00 pm (sometimes 10:00 pm, depending on how quickly we can close-down the machines and organize the paperwork). Now I know why Election Night returns trickle-in, especially from busy, urban districts. The Soldiers & Sailors' Memorial Hall is a heroic, Beaux-Arts building, designed in 1907 (the same year my house was...
Yesterday we discussed the French animalier par excellence, Antoine-Louis Barye—the great animal sculptor of the Romantic Era. Let's end our "Parade of Lions" with this tribute to the master: his "Walking Lion" sculpture of 1840. In truth, the lion shown is not one of Barye's originals. Indeed, it was made in America after the work of Barye—and some eighty years later. It is a bronze-clad sculpture, meaning that a thin coating of bronze is electro-plated over a "composite" form, cast from a mould. Yes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, that imitation does not always come easy. The manufacturer (possibly Armor Bronze in New York City) first had to create a mould to cast the composite underlayer. And, as...
Many artists develop a theme to their work, sometimes spending their entire careers focused on a very narrow field of subject matter. One such artist was the Parisian animalier Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875). An animalier is an artist who creates animal sculptures. Barye is one of the greatest. He started his "working life" as a goldsmith apprentice, under his father. He later worked in the studio of Napoleon's goldsmith. But animals—sculpting animals—was his true artistic love. Barye would spend hours at the zoo sketching wild animals in their natural "attitudes." Eugène Delacroix (1798-1875) was Barye's artistic contemporary and his naturalistic sketches of wild animals inspired Barye to capture the energy and personality in his renderings of his subjects. Barye would then...
This fabulous feline is not your everyday tin lion. Indeed, the incredible detail of the sculpting and casting—not to mention the wonderful painting—raises this LEO to a higher plain. The coiled energy of this recumbent lion, as he scrutinizes his domain, imbues a sense of of life to this beautifully-rendered sculpture. Made in the Twenties or Thirties, of finely-cast spelter, an alloy comprised primarily of zinc.
One might consider bookends a somewhat mundane form of art—if one considers bookends "art" at all. Bookends were manufactured in quantity, made of a very humble material (often cast iron), sold for modest prices, and put to work at a highly-utilitarian task. What the bookend makers—the foundries—often got right was their success in hiring wonderful sculptors to create the original models for their castings. Some of these sculptors are anonymous. But others were allowed (or encouraged) to sign their works. What the foundry owners understood (perhaps an acknowledgement of their European artistic roots) was that a little extra money spent in the beginning (the model-making) would pay huge dividends for years to come—for the entirety of the production run.
What this little bronze lion lacks in size or fierceness, he makes-up for in style and character. He was cast of polished bronze, in California. On this tummy, the word "Courage" is imprinted. He'll be a constant reminder that size does not equal bravery. And he'll serve as a loyal companion on your desk, mantelpiece or bedstand.
Most tin or spelter or lead animals (painted or unpainted) from the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries were part of a larger grouping of animals: a circus, a farm, a zoo, or a Noah's Ark menagerie. This lion, handsome though he is, remains circumspect about discussing his former companions—who are now, sadly, lost to time and playful trauma (at least to us). The painting on this lion is pretty good. Quality of painting is one of the hallmarks by which one can gauge how well-made a toy sculpture is. It helps to remember that these creatures were intended as toys—and liable to be roughly handled—and, therefore, most casting and painting were cursory, at best. Fast production and minimal finishing resulted in...
We celebrate the first few days of LEO with a "parade" of leonine beauties—now in-stock at LEO Design. We celebrate the first few days of LEO with a "parade" of leonine beauties—now in-stock at LEO Design. Lions are, perhaps, the most "lionized" of all the animals. They symbolize courage, beauty, royalty and leadership. Unsurprisingly, lions have been used in the heraldry of many cultures in many times. Heraldry is the system of using, arranging and regulating the aesthetic elements in crests, coats-of-arms, military insignia and other symbolic "heraldic" decoration. Even lions themselves are classified by the position they assume in such heraldry. Each differing position is called an "attitude." A lion standing on his hind legs is a...
Today is the first full day of LEO—acknowledged King of the Zodiac! The Sun entered "LEO airspace" overnight and it will remain there through 22 August. The LEO zodiac sign holds much significance for us. The shop, as you can see, was named after the regal lion. And the store was built and opened during the LEO period (though I gave myself a "short day" on my birthday). And LEO marks the highpoint of Summer. Who doesn't like Summer (at least a little bit)? LEOs are known for their energy, adventure, gregariousness, their generosity and their affinity for the limelight. They love being in-charge, especially if they have a First Mate close at hand (and especially a loyal Taurus)....
Although I'd much prefer to announce the end of the dreadful disease, my observation today is far less significant: today is the last day of the sun sign Cancer. Having no crabs in current stock, I have opted for their watery neighbors instead—seashells. This assortment of eight different seashells were made of cast pewter in Italy. Each is slotted to hold a place card at table. They can also be used to hold a note, photograph, business card or descriptive label. And they would provide sophisticated punctuation at your next dinner party's table setting.
Whether you live in London or Lisbon or Lubbock...it's soooo hot! What would be nicer than taking to the water—sailing across a cooling bay or mountain lake? Step aboard! Certainly, your generous host needs a little gift, a token of your gratitude. Give the captain a pair of "Sailor's Decision Makers": a pair of cast pewter tokens which can be flipped to make your choice—"Sail" or "Get Off the Yacht."
When I lived in New York City, I held a much different attitude about squirrels than I do today. Yes, back in the city, I did acknowledge that squirrels are large, climbing rodents. But they seemed to me a benign part of the landscape—a natural, "living accessory" whose playful charm was to be observed and enjoyed in parks and in trees. And, certainly, squirrels were worthy of artful commemoration in ceramics, wood and metalwork. Today, living in an old house in the city of Pittsburgh, these charming little devils have lost a bit of their charm. They will conquer any bird feeder, leaving our feathered friends starving. They chew wooden fences and house trim—and will invade the hidden crawl spaces and nest,...
Summer's here—the heat, the humidity, the bugs—and, boy am I glad that I will not be traveling this holiday weekend! Instead, I'll pretty much carry-on with my regular routine: clean and shoot new merchandise, organize the papers on my desk, maybe wash and vacuum my car. And one more thing! I'll try to spend a few hours reading during the day. At the moment, I have two books-in-process on my nightstand (atop two dozen more, yet to be started). The only problem is that I read at night, after climbing into bed. I can usually get through a couple of pages before I find myself getting drowsy, reading and re-reading (and re-reading) the same line over and over (and over)...
For the "cowboy" Dad: a cast bronze cowboy hat. Though it was designed as a decorative paperweight, it can also be used to hold a small supply of clips, some business cards (in the brim) or one's index card "to do list." Upside down, it could hold even more: jelly beans, rubber bands or dog treats.
For the handy Dad: a Danish Modern "Plumber at Work." This heavy stoneware tile was made by Karl Otto Johansen for Bing & Grøndahl around 1970. It was part of a series of plaques commemorating various trades: plumbing, carpentry, blacksmithing. Johansen also sculpted decorative bas relief plaques in themes of nature and animals.
For the Super-Cool Dad: a cast bronze polar bear sculpture, wonderful to hold or display on the desk. The Polar Bear, Ursus maritimus, was given its name because it is considered a "maritime mammal"—one who lives its life in, on and around the sea. In the case of the polar bear, it spends most of its life on floating sea ice, hunting for its favorite food: tasty seals. Alas, because of global warming—and the melting of sea ice—polar bears have been quickly losing their hunting grounds. Today, the polar bear is considered vulnerable to extinction. The male polar bear is called a "boar" and he can weigh over 1500 pounds. Females ("sows") top-out around 800 pounds. The species is remotely...
For the cultured Dad: a bronze-clad bas relief plaque of Hungarian composer and pianist, Franz Liszt. Liszt was fascinated with his father's playing of the piano and string instruments. By seven, his father was giving him lessons. By eight, little Franz was composing rudimentary music. His talent caught the attention of music patrons who sponsored his studies, as a youngster, in Vienna. When the 16 year old Franz's father died, his family moved to Paris where the boy needed to work to help support his family. He taught piano lessons and found himself racing around the large city to keep his far-flung appointments. Working long, irregular and late hours, Franz began drinking and smoking—habits he would maintain throughout his life.
For the Dad who labors: a pair of heavy cast iron bookends from the McKeesport Steel Casting Company, made in the 1920's or 1930's. The foundry, on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, was one of the hundreds of steel mills, metalworks plants or fabricators which dotted the banks of the Steel City's three rivers: the Monongahela, the Allegheny and the Ohio. (Why these industrial companies needed to be placed right along the rivers could be the topic for another, more depressing, journal entry.) Most of the foundry's output was far more industrial—less "sexy"—in nature than these bookends. In fact, they were not known for making end-consumer products. McKeesport made heavy component parts for big industry: commercial boiler pipe fittings, freight train axels...
For the handy Dad: a British "shop class" hand truck with wheels made from early Twentieth Century coins. Probably made by a young English tradesman (learning his trade), it is just the right size to hold a supply of business cards.
For the Dad in shining armor: a pair of bronze-clad bookends bearing a handsomely-sculpted bas relief image of Saint George Slaying the Dragon. Made in the 1920's, the bookends began their lives as finely hand-sculpted, original models from which moulds were made. The moulds were then used to cast the actual bookends in a "composite material"—that is, a fortified blend of plaster and other strengthening ingredients. Then the bookends were placed into a liquid bath containing finely-ground bronze dust. When electrical voltage was applied—zzzaaap!—the bronze dust clung to the composite, forming a thin bronze "skin" around the bookend. After cooling, the bronze could be patinated or painted like any other "true bronze" sculpture. At the time, such bronze-clad objects were...
For the rough-riding Dad: a heavy cast bronze bison, King of the Prairie. Classic symbol of the unspoiled West, bison have clawed their way back from the edge of extinction. This handsome and substantial beast will provide good company on Dad's desk—and bring back just a touch of Dad's wilder, earthier days.
For the Dad of Mettle: a three-dimensional puzzle of finely-engineered solid brass. Once it's securely reassembled, it makes a great paper weight and an even better conversation piece. Solid, well-assembled and just a little heavy. Just like Dad.
As we countdown the days 'til Father's Day, we would like to share some Handsome Gifts ideas sure to please any Dad. For the Dad who loves the sea: a meticulously hand-crafted rowboat. From the carefully bent gunnels, to the hand-carved oars, to the little coil of rope, the details of this little vessel are wonderfully executed. More than a toy, it is a loving remembrance of afternoons on-the-water. It could also be used to hold a small supply of business cards on the desk. Here's a question for Dad: What's the difference between a "boat" and a "ship"? This question will provoke animated responses, especially when a navy vet is in hearing distance. Traditionally, a "ship" is any vessel...
Let's end our "Symphony in Black & White" with this pair of English tin penguins—hand painted into their black and white tuxedoes. Created as a children's toys in the Twenties or Thirties—perhaps as members of a circus, zoo or ark menagerie—these tin animals would have usually experienced hard wear in the unforgiving hands of a youngster. Now, approaching their tenth decade, they are an elegant and whimsical reminder of a time gone by, when children's toys did not require batteries or wifi service.
While we may still yet enjoy a few crisp evenings—blessedly allowing us to leave our windows cracked-open all night—the "bear's share" of the cold weather will be well behind us. Though that bad news won't dissuade this happy little chap: a Danish Modernist stoneware rolling polar bear sculpture made by Royal Copenhagen. A lightly painted face adds to the sculpted texture of the modeling (see the waves of fur playing against his chubby body).
The Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company was founded in 1908 in Knoxville, Illinois. The company quickly distinguished itself by making superior "sanitary ware," that is toilets, sinks and water fountains. Their high-quality clay blend (from England, Georgia and South Dakota) resulted in a very durable product. Their satin glazes were also beautiful; Abingdon was the first plumbing fixture manufacturer to produce color-glazed options (in 1928). Abingdon was tapped to produce all the plumbing fixtures for the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. But the Depression—and WWII to follow—was not easy on the building trades. Orders for sinks and toilets (ummm...) went down the drain. In the late 1930's, Abingdon made the dramatic decision to begin crafting small, decorative and gift items. Using...
A loving thank you to all the women—mothers, step-mothers, aunts and educators—who have devoted their lives to nurturing and developing us. Perhaps the most important of all vocations, mothering mostly toils-on despite too-infrequent expressions of gratitude (and even lower pay). The best mothers will admit, rather promptly, that their reward can not be measured in words or money. Nevertheless, we grateful beneficiaries, could certainly do a better job of expressing our humble gratitude.
The Danish Modernist sculpture, shown above, captures an ursine mum lifting her little one in a moment of playfulness. It is sculpted in stoneware by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen and is dated 1957.
The Scottish Terrier—also called the Aberdeen Terrier or, more popularly, "The Scottie"—is one of the five recognized breeds of terriers from Scotland (a list which includes the Cairn, Skye, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland Terriers). The breed was developed as "ratters"—animals which would catch and kill small vermin indoors or on a farm. The breed is known for being bright, alert, quick, rugged, independent, feisty and territorial. They become very loyal to their families, often singling-out one or two individuals for an extra-close bond. These traits make them pleasant house pets and good watch dogs. But their stubbornness—and wariness of strangers—can make them unpredictable around people they don't know. It is advised to watch them carefully around the erratic movements of...
Three months from today—on 23 July—the Sun enters the sign of LEO where it will stay for the following month. Anyone born during that month-long period will have the honor and distinction of being able to claim LEO as their sunsign.
The little bronze sculpture, shown above, celebrates LEO every day. Turn him over and you'll see the word "Courage" impressed into his tummy. It's a gentle (and perfect) reminder for your favorite Leonine: Stay Strong!
The Borzoi is the modern name for the Russian Wolfhound (which was the common name for the breed before 1936). In Seventeenth Century Russia, North African "sighthounds" (that is, dogs which hunt with sight and speed, rather than smell and endurance) were cross-bred with local, thick-coated dogs. They became popular with the Tsars who used them for hunting wolves. A pair (or trio) of the Wolfhounds would be sent after a sighted wolf. The dogs would attack the wolf's neck, eventually subduing and immobilizing it until the hunter could catch-up and kill the animal with a knife. The breed was so highly-esteemed that it was illegal for commoners to breed the dog; they could only be given by the Tsar....
The Art Deco Movement frequently "lifted" historical aesthetic themes from the past. Sometimes from the distant past. Egyptian motifs were well-employed by Art Deco architects, decorators and designers. So were Greco-Roman elements. This reviving of the Classical Past lent an air of timelessness to the design—and a recognition of the Western World's intellectual, social and political roots. The polychromed bookends, shown above, are a sculpted bas relief representation of "The Graphic Arts." Scribes bend-over their drawings, draped in hand-painted robes, sitting beside a hand-painted forest. Sculptural elements, such as this, were often employed in Art Deco architecture and interior decoration. A walk through and around Rockefeller Center in New York, for example, will provide numerous examples of applied sculpted (or...
The Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt, completed around 2500 BC. It is also one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Two thousand years ago—during the Greco-Roman Period—rich and powerful citizens made the difficult journey to stand before what was at that point an antiquity. The Sphinx crouches along the West Bank of the River Nile, carved out of the bedrock under the plain. The large mass of extraneous stone, removed during the carving, was intended to be used to build a temple surrounding the Sphinx (though this was never completed). The Sphinx stands 66 feet high and 240 feet long. It was originally painted, archaeologists believe, because traces of color have been found in...
It's beginning to look a lot like . . . Spring. But Christmas is a short nine months away. Start your shopping now! Here's a pewter Christmas Tree, made in Los Angeles, which could be hung upon the tree or in a window. It can also be used as a holiday candle snuffer. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
We're now several weeks into The Year of the Tiger—one of the twelve characters in the twelve year "Chinese" Zodiac cycle. Tigers are the LEOs of the Asian Lunar Zodiac: courageous, assertive, thrill-seeking, quick-tempered, leaderly and desirous of being the center-of-attention. Notable Tigers include Queen Elizabeth II, Tony Bennett, Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder.
This little tiger—cast in brass and finished with a verdigris bronze patina—will sit quietly waiting for just...the...right...moment to spring. Until then, his tense energy will remain coiled and waiting (on your desk, bookshelf or windowsill).
At 11:33 am (Eastern Time) today, the Earth experiences the Vernal Equinox—that Springtime moment when the Earth's tilt is perfectly balanced against the Sun. Neither the Northern Hemisphere nor the Southern Hemisphere leans closer to the Sun. The result: the lengths of day and night (on this date) is almost equivalent all around the globe. It will also be the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere (and the start of Autumn in the South). From this day forward, for three months (until the Summer Solstice), each day will have increasingly longer sunlight hours than darkness. Today is also the first day of the sun sign Aries. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac—a fact befitting of Aries' hard-charging...
Art meets engineering meets intriguing plaything. This finely-engineered and beautifully sculpted "toy" could stand-alone as an objet d'art on your desk. It would certainly make a nice (and heavy) paperweight. But it is also a puzzle; its meticulously-honed solid brass members assemble into the geometric shape you see above. Made in Brooklyn, this little work of art will prove hard to resist. Visitors to your office will be unable to not pick it up!
The 1920's marked the birth of a new Modern Woman. During World War I, while many American men were at war in Europe, women joined the labor force as never before (often replacing men who had been sent-off to fight). More women than ever experienced a taste of moving within the commercial working world and enjoyed increased independence, the result of earning their own wages. After the war, some women did return to home and hearth. But many more women seized the opportunity to reinvent their roles in society. Working outside of the home was one of the biggest changes. But style and fashion underwent changes, too. "Bobbed" hairstyles reflected the modern, sporty times. Clothing was revolutionized: out went the corsets...
Though this little sculpture is simple, the artist has deftly captured the slack energy—and curiosity—of a slouchy puppy. He is cast in brass and finished with an aged verdigris bronze patina. He would happily serve as a paperweight on your desk or provide companionship from your windowsill. His larger sibling is also currently available.
We interrupt our regularly-scheduled programming (Victorian cufflinks) to make note of this exceptional day: Tuesday, Two Twenty-Two Twenty-Two!
Two golden (polished bronze) eggs sit in this rustic cast-bronze nest, lovingly crafted in Canada. Such an interesting desk item will certainly provoke visitors to pick-up and fondle the clutch. The nest, alone, would make a perfect clip holder, ring saver or place to throw your keys near the door. And, of course, the two eggs will forever commemorate this special date.
And now: back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Saint Valentine was a Roman priest (and possibly bishop) who ministered to persecuted Christians in Third Century Rome. His evangelical efforts were not appreciated by the Roman authorities. He was arrested more than once, the final time by the Emperor Claudius Gothicas—who came to like Valentine. However, when Valentine pushed the Emperor to convert to Christianity, the monarch provided his own ultimatum: either Valentine renounce his faith or he would be clubbed and beheaded. The priest refused to renounce and was martyred on 14 February 269. Valentine's relics have proved popular for centuries—and remain so to this day—especially amongst those seeking love and marriage. Portions of his purported relics are venerated in the cities of Rome, Madrid, Vienna, Prague, Dublin, Glasgow, Birmingham,...
Six months from today—on 23 July—the sun in the heavens will enter the zodiac constellation of LEO, which is, naturally, my favorite sun sign. This also means that we've recently entered the zodiac sign of Aquarius—which is the "polarity" (or polar opposite) of the LEO birth sign on the annual "wheel of zodiac signs." In Greek mythology, Aquarius provides a remarkable story. Tros, the King of Troy, had a beautiful son. He was so beautiful, in fact, that Zeus (the King of the Gods) wanted him for himself. One day, while the youth was tending his father's flocks upon Mount Ida (in Phrygia, modern day Turkey) Zeus took the form of a giant eagle and swooped-down to carry-off the young...
Though the days now are getting longer and longer—ever sooo s-l-o-w-l-y—we crave more and more light. And we'd like it now! The shortest day of the year is a month behind us, but the longest day of the calendar is still five months away. Let these wrought iron Brutalist candlesticks help you illuminate your home. They were made in Germany after World War II and may have been avant-garde altarsticks from a Modernist church. The square bobeches will accept either a round pillar candle or a square columnar candle. Heavy bases provide stability while the rugged aesthetic adds a touch of primitive charm to an Arts & Crafts of Modernist interior.
Polar Bears, those fascinating hunters of the Arctic Circle sea ice, have suffered the devastating effects of global warming and ice melt in the last couple of decades. Because they hunt on sea ice, they are classified as "marine mammals." Their favorite food is fresh seal—whose ample fatty blubber helps the bears survive the lean times between meals. In recent years, the image of a mother polar bear and cubs, balancing upon a too-small chunk of melting ice, has become the heartbreaking symbol of a world where rising temperatures spell destruction for the vulnerable creatures who live next to (and exist upon) the sea. This Mid-Century Modernist sculpture captures a polar bear in happier times—rolling on the ice. It was made in...
Four of my favorite things come together in this one sensational Handsome Gift: bookends, sculpture, horses and white pottery! Abingdon Pottery (Knoxville, Illinois) was founded in 1908 and quickly made its name as a premier manufacturer of plumbing fixtures and other "sanitary ware." They used very high quality clay—some of it imported from England—which was fired into "vitreous china" with exceptional durability and uncommon attention to finishing detail. The Great Depression devastated Abingdon's incoming orders, so they began making smaller, decorative gift items (using the same clay) to keep the business afloat from 1934 to 1950. During this short period, Abingdon made vases, bowls, bookends and other decorative household items which were discontinued when the demand for plumbing fixtures returned....
Wishing all—customers, friends and family—a Merry Christmas and a New Year of health, happiness and contentment.
Thank you for your support this season—and throughout the last 26 years.
It's Christmas Eve—and we continue our annual tradition (now in its 26th year) of putting our Italian Christmas Angels into our shop window (or what now serves as our on-line "shop window").
In 1995, the year I opened LEO Design on Bleecker Street, I purchased this pair of Italian terra-cotta angels. I found them in an Italian "handcraft showroom" in the "Gift Building" at 225 Fifth Avenue (now shuttered). I was aware that they were not antiques, but that's all I knew about them. I just knew that I loved them! In time, after a bit of research, I learned about them—and came to love them all the more.
There is an old story in my family about attending any holiday party: invitations were always issued with the reminder, "Ring the doorbell with your elbow!" It was (supposedly) an exhortation to never show-up empty handed. Now, I myself never heard any family member make this stipulation; the account has always been fourth-person hearsay. And, from what I know of my elders, it seems out of character for them to have suggested such a requirement. I'm guessing that one person said it one time—after which, like so many family tales, the story gathered momentum and embellishment. It is a good story! This ceramic bear, made and hand-painted in Russia, is a lovely "hostess gift" (should one be required or desired). He has a little...
Christmas is two weeks away! There is still time to order and receive your gifts by Christmas. But please act quickly! We always try to ship purchases on the day of receipt—if they arrive by Noon (Eastern). Orders received on the weekends (when the Post Office is closed) are posted Monday.
This sweet pewter Christmas ornament was hand-cast in California. It also makes a useful (and festive) candle snuffer.
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the great solemnities of the Roman Catholic Church. But there is significant popular misunderstanding of the theology. Many people—even some Catholics—don't understand that it refers to the immaculate conception of Mary, not Jesus.
Christian theology includes the concept of "Original Sin," which is basically the "fall from grace" that all humans experienced as a result of Adam & Eve's decision to break with God (in Genesis). It is an inherited state which, Christians believe, can be rectified with baptism. Roman Catholics believe that baptism is the essential, redeeming sacrament through which people are "born again" into a life with Christ.
Tonight is the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, the annual Jewish "Festival of Lights." The celebration commemorates the Maccabees victory over the Greeks and the miracle of the oil lamp. In the Second Century BC, the Jews found themselves under the thumb of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. The Greeks insisted that the Jews worship their god, Zeus, and they desecrated the Jewish Temple (the "Second Temple") by slaughtering pigs within it. Many Jews rebelled. But the Maccabees rose-up and took-on the Greek Army. Despite a small number of warriors, the Maccabees defeated the Greeks and reclaimed their temple. While cleaning-up their house of worship, they were disappointed that they only had enough lamp oil to last through one night of...
Dear me! It's the final day of November! Where has the month (or the year) flown? Here in Pittsburgh, we've already enjoyed little flurries—with just enough snow to whiten our garden. Winter will be here in three weeks. And Christmas four days after that. Dear me!
This little bronze sculptural grouping—a spotted doe and her fawn—are nicely cast and finished in a light verdigris patina. Though I am not certain, I suspect that they might be Japanese (from the Teens or Twenties). The mother remains watchful while her baby scratches blithely, oblivious to life's dangers. The fine detail, nice patina and the sensitivity of the sculptor's perceptive modeling all make the group a wonderful touch of nature brought indoors.
This pretty bird has little to worry about. Thanksgiving is for turkeys.
We at LEO Design wish all of our customers, vendors and friends a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyful Holiday Season.
It was 1995. And, during my little shop's First Christmas on Bleecker Street, I refused to decorate the store before Thanksgiving. I would defend The Tradition! I was adamant not to hang one pine needle until Thanksgiving Day! So I crept into the shop on Thanksgiving morning around 6:00 am. I turned on NPR; Bob Edwards was interviewing celebrity chefs on their favorite Thanksgiving offerings. (Paul Prudhomme was making a "Turducken.") The store would be closed for the holiday. I was working alone but had nothing but time to relax and decorate: window, garlands, holiday merchandise, and a 10 foot tall Christmas tree, loaded with Christopher Radko ornaments (which would be for sale, of course). As I took my first sip of...
The very best art is that which conveys the greatest effect with the seemingly simplest effort. Michelangelo Buonarroti conveys the entire Biblical story in David's right hand alone: relaxed at his side, loosely cradling a killer stone, yet potentially, undeniably powerful—if ever pushed into action. John Singer Sargent can capture—in one long brushstroke—the sheen and contours and tension of a woman's elegant dress, draped over underskirts, stretched over crossed legs, lighted from a window (elsewhere in the room). And the incomparable voice of Karen Carpenter—without vocal gymnastics and with no affectation—can effortlessly pierce our hearts with melancholy and longing while singing Superstar. The greatest artists know how to communicate great or complex or heartrending understanding in the most economical manner. Great...
The legendary Bard of Stratford-on-Avon created some of English Literature's greatest characters, tortured relationships, and dramatic scenarios. He coined numerous words and many clever turns-of-phrase. And he also spelled his name in a variety of ways. Some scholars claim that "William Shakespeare" (which is the contemporary standard spelling) has been spelled up to 80 different ways over the centuries. Even in his lifetime, Shakespeare signed his name with different spellings—including "Shakespere" and "Shakspeare." In the Eighteenth Century, "Shakespear" was believed to be most authentic. In the Romantic Mid-Nineteenth Century, "Shakspere" or "Shakspeare" (as shown in the photo) was considered most accurate, based on his most common signatures. On Shakespeare's tomb, in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-on-Avon, the Bard's name is...
I've sold dozens of elephant bookends over the years. Elephants have always been a classic and popular theme in "bookshelf accoutrements." I guess I also like the idea of promoting the welfare of elephants living today—both those in captivity and those in the wild. At some point—I guess it started with the Feng Shui trend of the Oughts—a minority of customers would refuse to buy any elephant unless its trunk was turned upwards. "It is unlucky, otherwise," they would say. Now, in truth, when dealing with items made 100 years ago, there was nothing I could do to change the direction of an elephant's trunk. I would best remain happy to buy a nice elephant, regardless of the point of its proboscis....
In 1880, French Modernist sculptor, Auguste Rodin, was commissioned to produce a monumentally-sculpted main door for a planned Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris. The aesthetic theme and subject matter was left to Rodin's discretion, however, it was agreed that the door would be delivered five years later, in 1885. Rodin worked on the commission (on and off) for 37 years, until his death in 1917. Rodin, inspired by the great Italian Poet Dante Alighieri, selected the theme "The Gates of Hell," taken from The Inferno. He designed the model for a massive bronze door, embellished (on and around the door) with 180 cast figures (the smallest being about 6 inches tall and the largest a little over three feet). Rodin...
In 1894, John E. Hubley opened a metal casting workshop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His product line was metal industrial parts for electric trains. Come 1909, finding that business was slack, Hubley converted his production to cast iron toys and home furnishings objets: animals (especially dogs), bookends (many of them dogs), and doorstops (more dogs). Hubley also cast vehicles—from horse-drawn carriages (earlier on) to scale model automobiles (later in the company's life). At its peak, Hubley was the largest metal toy manufacturer in the United States. The terrier doorstop, shown above, is composed of two separate sand-cast iron parts (the left side of the dog's body and the right side of the dog's body). Each dog began its life as two...
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence in 1265. He is considered Italy's greatest poet and one of the most important writers in the Western Canon. His most important work, The Divine Comedy, was groundbreaking in its day—and remains an artistic touchstone to this day. Dante's depiction of Hell, Purgatory and Heaven (Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso) exercised wide influence on many writers and artists (painters, sculptors, musicians) who came after him—through which Dante affected the popular conceptions of the afterlife for centuries to come. He did not write in Latin, the language of the educated elites. Instead, he chose to write in the vulgate, the popular language of commoners (which allowed more people to read and understand his writings). The popularity of The Divine Comedy demonstrated...
