Indian and Wild Swans, Painted Maquette, [Plaster]

Indian and Wild Swans, Painted Maquette, [Plaster]

Animal sculpture--20th century
Figure sculpture, American--20th century

Plaster, sheet metal and metal wire maquette for the Indian and Wild Swans. The plaster has been painted a copper color and is mounted on a stained wood board. There is also a smaller maquette on the same board of the Indian with all four swans.

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

1964

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

Sculpture

University Center (Mich.)

35.75" x 21"

Painted Plaster
Wood

1994.068

Main Exhibit Gallery

05/26/1994 gifted to MFSM

This is the plaster model for the INDIAN AND FOUR WILD SWANS which is mounted on the facade
of the Milwaukee Public Museum. The entire composition spans an area of 36 feet. There is only one swan
in this composition. Fredericks uses the figure of the swan in many of his sculptures. The significance of the
swan has varied between cultures over the centuries, however Fredericks uses it to symbolize eternal life. This is also what it symbolizes to the Indians. They believe that when a person dies their soul flies up on the back of the swan to the Great Spirit. This special bond is conveyed in this sculpture by the spatial relationship between the Indian and the swan. It is also revealed in the position of the Indian's body and arms which
suggest veneration. Located in a display case across the gallery is a small-scale maquette of the entire
composition as it appears in Milwaukee.