Sculpture of a coiled snake

1840-1880

Measurements

2-1/4 in x 5-1/2 in x 4-3/8 in

Materials

Probably alabaster or a similar material

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1470

Inscription

"Mary Corbit Wilson / 1847" is written in ink on the bottom of the scuplture.

Condition Notes

The tip of the snake's tail has lost a small flake.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Description

This snake, coiled around itself on a rectangular platform, looks like a rattlesnake having a triangular head and prominent scales, but its tail does not exhibit characteristic rattles. Nonetheless, it appears to be a viper, a family of snakes found in most places throughout the world.

The origin of this sculpture is unknown.  The only clue is the name of Mary Corbit Wilson and the date 1847 written on the bottom. The inscription is likely that of Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner, the daughter of Mary C. Wilson. The 1847 date is when Mary Wilson married Mary Warner’s father, Daniel Corbit.  Mary Warner was not concerned with the accuracy of dates, although she clearly associated it with her mother.  The inscription indicates that the snake sculpture was in Mary Warner's possession before she died in 1923.  It seems reasonable to assume that Mary Warner had it before her mother's death in 1880.