Object Details
Artist
William H. Johnson, born Florence, SC 1901-died Central Islip, NY 1970
Luce Center Label
William H. Johnson painted rural scenes inspired in part by his memories of growing up in South Carolina. A family of four ride on an oxcart toward a distant hill, where three crosses mark their physical destination as well as their spiritual home on Calvary. The flat composition, comprised of clashing hues arranged in stripes and color blocks, recalls the story quilts made of scraps pieced together by African American women.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation
Date
ca. 1940-1941
Object number
1967.59.1003
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Painting
Medium
oil on burlap
Dimensions
38 1/8 x 45 3/8 in. (96.8 x 115.4 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor, 31A
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Figure group
Architecture\religious\church
African American
Animal\cattle
Travel\land\cart
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1967.59.1003