Eagle Dancer

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Eagle Dancer

Artist Robert Willson (American, 1912-2000)

Assistant Alfredo Barbini (Italian, 1912-2007)

Date1980

DimensionsH: 17 in. (42.5 cm); W: 11 in. (27.5 cm); D: 7 in. (17.5 cm)

MediumMolded glass

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGift of Margaret Pace Willson

Object number

2001.39

Not on View

DescriptionGlass, molded

Label TextSelf-described “half Texan and half Choctaw Indian” Robert Willson drew inspiration for much of his art from the myths and culture of indigenous North American societies. Eagle Dancer seems to reference the widespread ritual dance of many Southwest American Indian tribes in which eagles are evoked as messengers between humans and the divine. Willson was assisted by master glassblower Alfredo Barbini in Murano, Venice. Beginning in 1956, Willson spent 37 summers at Murano learning Venetian techniques from its celebrated glassworkers.Published ReferencesKangas, Matthew, Robert Willson: Image Maker, San Antonio, Pace-Willson Foundation, 2001, repr. p. 133 (col.).