Cast Iron Hitching Post

Eugene Croe

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a young boy standing barefoot on a simple square pedestal. He is dressed in a white, loose-fitting shirt that is slightly open at the chest with a red suspender draping over his shoulder, contrasting with his dark skin. His pants are bright blue and are rolled up to his calves. The boy is portrayed in a casual pose, with one hand lifted as if gesturing or holding a small object. The material of the sculpture resembles smooth stone or a similar substance, conveying textural detail in the rendering of the boy's clothing and hair. The signature of Eugène Croe is visible on the bottom right corner of the pedestal. The sculpture is life-sized, presenting the boy as if he's interacting with the viewer's space.