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'''''Birdbath''''', constructed of fieldstone and concrete, is an early 20th-century decorative feature on the historic [[Oldfields]] estate on the campus of the [[Indianapolis Museum of Art]] (IMA), in [[Indianapolis]], Indiana. It is now an accessioned work of art in the collection of the IMA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Collections Database|url=http://www.imamuseum.org/art/collections/artwork/garden-sculpture-bird-bath-|publisher=Indianapolis Museum of Art|accessdate=1 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="Langdon">{{Citation
'''''Birdbath''''', constructed of fieldstone and concrete, is an early 20th-century decorative feature on the historic [[Oldfields]] estate on the campus of the [[Indianapolis Museum of Art]] (IMA), in [[Indianapolis]], Indiana. It is now an accessioned work of art in the collection of the IMA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Collections Database |url=http://www.imamuseum.org/art/collections/artwork/garden-sculpture-bird-bath- |publisher=Indianapolis Museum of Art |accessdate=1 February 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324120930/http://www.imamuseum.org/art/collections/artwork/garden-sculpture-bird-bath- |archivedate=24 March 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref name="Langdon">{{Citation
| last = Langdon
| last = Langdon
| first = Katherine
| first = Katherine

Revision as of 08:36, 11 May 2017

Birdbath
ArtistUnknown, American
YearEarly 20th century
TypeFieldstone and concrete
Dimensions91 cm × 61 cm × 61 cm (36 in × 24 in × 24 in)
LocationIndianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana
Coordinates39°49′45.46″N 86°10′59.94″W / 39.8292944°N 86.1833167°W / 39.8292944; -86.1833167
OwnerIndianapolis Museum of Art

Birdbath, constructed of fieldstone and concrete, is an early 20th-century decorative feature on the historic Oldfields estate on the campus of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is now an accessioned work of art in the collection of the IMA.[1][2]

Description

This birdbath is constructed of large, smooth stones laid in concentric, circular tiers, set in a thick concrete mortar. The large basin of the bath curves out from a more cylindrical pedestal that slopes out a bit toward the ground. The overall silhouette resembles a chalice. The basin is lined with a coating of concrete and has been re-lined at least once. The most recent layer is made from concrete with a larger aggregate than the finer concrete used throughout the birdbath.

There is no drainage or circulation system built into the bath.[2]

Historical information

The grounds of Oldfields were landscaped by Percival Gallagher of the Olmsted Brothers in the 1920s; the birdbath presumably predates the Olmsted landscape. The property and all sculptures on it were donated to the IMA by the family of former Oldfields owner Josiah K. Lilly, Jr., in 1967. In 2001 the outdoor sculptures were assessed, and eighteen selected pieces were accessioned into the IMA’s Lilly House collection. Birdbath was assigned Accession Number LH2001.233.

Provenance

An undated Landon-era photograph (archived at the IMA) indicates that this birdbath has been on the Oldfields estate since the Landon era and possibly since before Gallagher’s landscaping.

Nothing is known of its maker or origins. However, the materials are very similar to the original fountain base in the Formal Garden, which was constructed of similar fieldstone and concrete. (This can also be seen in historic photographs.) These may have been made from local materials, and perhaps they were built by the same person.[2]

Location history

This birdbath has been on the Oldfields estate since the Landon era, when it was positioned in the middle of the scenic path along the property-bordering canal (as shown in an undated Landon-era photograph).[3][4]

By 1990 the birdbath was moved for protection from traffic, as the canal path has become a utility road for IMA groundskeeping. The birdbath is now located near the path to the grounds barn.[2]

Condition

The sculpture is monitored, cleaned, and treated regularly by the IMA art conservation staff.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Collections Database". Indianapolis Museum of Art. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c d Langdon, Katherine (2011), The Outdoor Sculptures of Oldfields: A Report for the Objects and Variable Art Laboratory at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Museum of Art
  3. ^ O'Donnell, Patricia; Fairbanks, Jonathan; Hohmann, Heidi (1996), Oldfields: Estate Sculpture & Horticulture Study- Intent, Settings, Character & Recommendations., Heritage Landscapes
  4. ^ Schleif, Carolyn Marie (1989), Oldfields: An Historic Structures Report., Muncie, IN: College of Architecture and Planning, Ball State University
  5. ^ Indianapolis Museum of Art. Birdbath, Acc. # LH2001.233. 2011 Conservation Condition and Treatment Reports. Retrieved from Indianapolis Museum of Art Conservation Archives January 19, 2011.