Wilhelm Schimmel (1817-1890) - Sold
Rooster
Carlisle County, Pennsylvania, c. 1880
Carved, gessoed, and polychrome painted white pine
4 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches

This delightful and whimsically paint decorated rooster typifies Schimmel's use of polychrome colors and hand carved whittling technique. This rooster is a fine example of Schimmel's work.

Schimmel is recognized today as one of this country's best and most famous folk art carvers. He emigrated from Germany shortly after the Civil War where he began his transient and turbulent lifestyle in Cumberland, County, Pennsylvania, often binge drinking for days. These spontaneous carving¹s ounce given away by Schimmel in exchange for liquor or a place to sleep are now considered to be masterpieces of American Folk Sculpture. The spontaneity, sensitivity and precision of his carvings contradict with his outwardly harsh nature.