Artist: unknown
Date: c. 1995
Geography/Culture: United States, New York/American
Medium: Bronze/Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 in. Length: 3 1/4 in.
Classification: Bronze Sculpture
Source: Gift of Jo-Ann Argentina, 2011
This small
bronze object is entitled ‘Pencil Sharpen in the Form of a Steam Engine’. It
was purchased circa 1995 by Tiffani Argentina. It was then gifted to Joseph
Marano. When Joseph, the patriarch of the Marano Family, passed on in late 2011
the sculpture was returned to the original obtainer. The sculpture, small and
bronze, in the shape of a Steam Engine served as a reminder of Joseph’s many
years of service to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. This object was
primarily used as decoration but serves the dual function of sharpening
pencils. The sole worth of the Steam Engine Sharpener lies in its historical, emotional
and practical value. The reason this object was chosen because of its worth as
a marker in a personal history and the emotional value it contains.
In The Gloom
of the Museum John Cotton Dana states, “Hence the products of our own
people are definitely held in no esteem as honorific possessions (2)”. In a
typical museum setting this sculpture would not be esteemed or chosen to be
displayed. It holds no value to the Museum. They only want to display rare,
expensive objects collected by the rich and powerful or sculptures and
paintings that display the history of those rich people. An object valued
mostly for its emotional significance, to someone who holds no clout in
society, is of no worth to the Museum. The Museum feels that such a mundane,
ordinary object has no purpose in an ornate building reminiscent of a European
castle.
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