Object Details
Artist
Eli Harvey, born Ogden, OH 1860-died South San Gabriel, CA 1957
Luce Center Label
Wild animals were Eli Harvey’s favorite subject matter. The elephant that “sat” for African Elephant Scenting Danger had been driven mad from seeing his mate killed, and he became very agitated as Harvey modeled him. At one point, he nearly upset Harvey’s modeling stand by grabbing the leg and shaking it with his trunk. The finished sculpture shows the elephant in his most defensive stance. As he anticipates an attack, he raises his trunk to smell the air and tries to locate his enemy.
Luce Object Quote
“I must choose the most essential truth to be presented, which gives . . . the most agreeable lines as a work in sculpture. I chose for this elephant the attitude when scenting danger.” Eli Harvey, Eli Harvey: Quaker Sculptor from Ohio, 1966
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist
Date
after 1926
Object number
1948.9.1
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
31 5/8 x 28 3/4 x 8 1/4 in. (80.2 x 72.9 x 20.8 cm.)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor, 48B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Animal\elephant
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1948.9.1