Mascots enjoyed a heyday in the 1920s. Although mascots of various quality were produced all over the world, the very finest examples originated in France. They are represented here by selections from the collection of Jon Zoler.
See these works of art in person!
This exhibition is included in general admission, so reserve your ticket now
The word “mascot” has its roots in France, where the Medieval Latin for ‘witch’ (masca) came into use in Provence as mascoto, meaning a ‘charm,’ ‘amulet,’ or other piece of magic. The French referred to automotive mascots as mascottes, fétiches, and statuettes: good luck charms, personal totems, small works of art. Mascots were also commonly known as bouchons de radiateurs – literally, ‘radiator caps’ – since this is where they were affixed to vehicles.
Many were designed by famous sculptors of the day. They give us a window into a brief period of French culture which saw huge changes in art, commerce, fashion, and globalization.
