Photographer's prop, Carl Hummel, Kelly, Marathon County, 1895.
Object name
Prop
Alternate object name
Property
Maker
Hummel, Carl, 1860-1941
Date
1895
Materials and techniques
Painted wood
Marks
Signed on lion's front leg: "Carl/ Hummel/ 1895"
Original location
Kelly, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Location of use
Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Current location
Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Description
Painted wooden lion used as a photographer's prop.
History
The lion was made by Carl Hummel of Kelly, Marathon County, Wisconsin for the Lemke Photo Studio. According to the records of the Marathon County Historical Society, Carl Hummel was born in Prussia in 1860. He trained in decorating, stenciling, sign painting, air brushing, fresco, and portrait painting in Leipsig, Germany. In 1886 he left Germany for Milwaukee, and in 1892 purchased land in Kelly, Marathon County. There, he continued his work as a decorative painter and also painted landscapes and portraits. In 1912 he was selected to paint and decorate the new city hall in Wausau. He also designed and painted the city seal, which as of 2006 is still on view in the city hall. Other artwork by Hummel has descended locally among members of his family. An image of a child posing with the lion is on file at the Marathon County Historical Society.
