Weather Vane - Cock

Art Historical Context

Behold the spirited *Weather Vane - Cock*, a meticulous graphite drawing by Rollington from the Index of American Design (1935/1942). Created as of the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project during the Great Depression, this work captures the essence of American folk art through precise documentation. Campbell, one of many artists employed in this ambitious initiative, rendered everyday objects like this rooster-shaped weather vane to preserve the nation's cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Measuring 28.9 x 22.9 cm on paperboard the drawing showcases Campbell's skillful use of graphite to evoke texture and form—shaded feathers ruffle in the wind, the cock's proud stance poised atop a spire. Weather vanes like this, ubiquitous on colonial barns and homes, symbolized vigilance and weather wisdom, blending European traditions with Yankee ingenuity. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, this piece highlights the Index's legacy: over 18,000 renderings that celebrate vernacular design. It's a charming reminder of America's crafty past, where function met folklore in iron and whimsy.