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"Up In The Air" by Betsy Guenther
Considered essential as weather instruments by wise farmers in the 18th and 19th century New England, weather vanes were mounted atop the highest point of the tallest barns, where the wind blew with the greatest force---its direction determined by a properly weighted vane, operating on the principle of a lever.
An image, usually of a farm animal or perhaps a patriotic symbol chosen by the farmer was hammered out of tin or copper by a tinsmith, providing the necessary weight---placing the heavier section of the image forward the "tale" of the vane and the lighter part of the image at the "head" of the vane.
Continuosly exposed to the elements, these handsome vanes acquired rich patinas, enhancing the images as they aged---in addition to uninvited bullet holes.
The vanes I've represented on this replica of a Shaker Blanket Chest were probably crafted during the same era as the chest, the originals of which are now prized as primitive art forms, and are eagerly sought by individual collectors and museums! A vane similar to these was sold at auction in Boston in 2009 for slightly more than $56,000---news which would surely "blow away" the farmers who valued them otherwise!!
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