The ceramic animal and figural sculptures of Carl Walters are re-examined and new interpretations are offered for some of his works. Walterss art is seen to be a continuation and transformation of the nineteenth century European animalier tradition into the twentieth century realm of American sculpture. His later works are a satirical reaction to both contemporary artists of his time and the development of Abstract Expressionism in American art. The influence of Edith Halpert and her Downtown Gallery in New York City is discussed as a major venue which helped to promote and place Walterss sculptures into important museum and private collections. th