Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Cowboy and Adolf Hitler Sculpture
Artifact IDMO 1942.348.25
Object Type
Carving
Artist
Herbert S. Anderson
(American woodcarver, 1892-1960)
Dateca. 1942
Mediumwood, stain, rope
Dimensionspart a (cowboy and horse:) H 12 1/2 in x W 10 1/4 in x D 6 1/4 in (31.8 cm x 26 cm x 15.9 cm )
part b (Hitler) H 11 in x W 3 3/4 in x D 3 1/2 in (27.9 cm x 9.5 cm x 8.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA two-piece sculpture, done in a caricature style, consisting of the carved and stained figures of an American cowboy and Adolf Hitler. part b (Hitler) H 11 in x W 3 3/4 in x D 3 1/2 in (27.9 cm x 9.5 cm x 8.9 cm )
The multi-colored carving of the cowboy, seated on a brown horse, shows him wearing a plaid shirt, denim pants, boots, spurs, and a broad-brimmed hat. In his right hand he holds one end of a rope that is tied around the neck of Hitler at whom he is looking back at.
The separate, multi-colored Adolf Hitler carving depicts him standing behind the cowboy and wearing his military uniform. His hands are tied behind his back with a piece of rope.
The artist's carved signature is found on both the horse and on the back of Hitler: Andy.
Historical NoteIn April 1942, Secretary of Commerce Jesse Jones gave Franklin D. Roosevelt these carved wood figures of Adolf Hitler and an American cowboy. The figures were created by Herbert S. ("Andy") Anderson of Topanga, California.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPortraits (National Archives Identifier 778816)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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