See ‘Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike’ in Cincinnati

The flowing, swan-like frame of the Stoddard Cygnet bicycle captivates onlookers just as it did when it was introduced to the public in 1898. The bike’s elegant design was inspired by the art nouveau style of the late 19th century, representing a significant period of artistic change.

One of less than 10 known to exist, the striking, porcelain white bicycle is one of 28 showcased in “Cycle Thru! The Art of the Bike,” on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum from April 4 through Aug. 24. The exhibit explores the evolution of bicycle design and technology throughout history, featuring models from the mid-1800s to present day.

“We’re really exploring the intersection of culture and art through the bicycle and looking at the design and engineering innovations that have marked the bicycle’s development since the 19th century,” says exhibit curator Amy Dehan. “[We’re] thinking more about what prompted these changes. There were some prompted by comfort, safety and speed, but there were also changes that prioritized fashionable styles and social trends.”

Otto Dicycle, circa 1880, designed by Edward Otto for Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (photo courtesy of Cincinnati Art Museum)

Created in partnership with The Church in Sag Harbor, New York, and The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, this exhibition showcases the bicycle’s rich history, both as a means of transportation and as a symbolic vehicle to promote freedom and autonomy.

Alongside the Stoddard Cygnet, visitors can see one of the earliest forms of the bike, an 1860s cast-iron “Boneshaker” velocipede, named for the rough-and-bumpy ride it provided due to its rigid construction. There is also an Aerial High Wheel model, which features a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel. 

“It’s the image that a lot of people have when they think about old bicycles,” Dehan says. “At first, bicycles were designed for a privileged class of people that could afford them, mostly a male clientele. … It was a bit prohibitive for women riders.”

Elgin Bluebird, 1936, Elgin Cycle Company (photo courtesy of Cincinnati Art Museum)

Much like the exhibition’s previous showing in Sag Harbor, the Cincinnati Museum of Art is incorporating contemporary works to complement the bicycles featured. Visitors can see a video by Indian artist Bari Kumar that reflects the importance of bicycles for rickshaw drivers in India, as well as colorful prints by Japanese American artist Mayumi Oda that symbolize the vehicle’s cross-cultural influence as a tool for self-empowerment.

“This experience hopefully gives [audiences] time to think about how important the bicycle was and continues to be,” Dehan says. “I want them to connect with one another over their own stories about bicycling.” 

953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati 45202, 513/721-2787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

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