Baboon, Female [Bronze]

Baboon, Female [Bronze]

Animal sculpture--20th century

This is the full-scale model of one figure for Fredericks' Baboon Fountain for the 1939 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows Park, New York. The five baboons and baby baboon were created for the Glass Industries Building at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Small sketch models of this figure, as well as other figures for the fountain, are in a display case on the east end of the Main Exhibit Gallery. This is the only female figure that was part of the fountain. Her composure contrasts with the four male baboons of the group that appear more animated.

Including the pedestals these figures stood to a height of 14 feet. They were cast in concrete with the intent of being carved in stone at a later date. However, World War II intervened and they were subsequently destroyed.

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

1986

Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

Sculpture

University Center (Mich.)

69" h

Bronze full-scale

1991.151

Sculpture Garden

09/16/1991 gifted to MFSM

Michael Panhorst's conversation with Molly on July 16, 1991
"Our full size male and female baboon plasters were made in 1939 but Molly worked on the plaster bases between 1984 and 1988. However, these baboons differ from the ones at the 1930 World's Fari in that the tails on ours run down the back of the plaster base and the tails of the ones at the World's Fair curl around the baboons and lie on top of the base.

The Arbury's bronze baboons were cast in the mid 1980's at the same time that Fredericks made casts for his garden."

From Jennifer Lentz (Collection Documentation Intern 1991-1992)
Memo dated July 30, 1991:
"RE: Male and Female Baboons:
On July 26, 1991 Molly told me that the Arbury's bronze Baboons that are currently on loan to the gallery were cast in 1986."