William Edmondson (American, 1874–1951). Angel, n.d. Limestone, 18 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 7 in. (47.0 x 34.3 x 17.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection, 87.28 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.28_front_PS22.jpg)
William Edmondson (American, 1874–1951). Angel, n.d. Limestone, 18 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 7 in. (47.0 x 34.3 x 17.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection, 87.28 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.28_threequarter_PS22.jpg)
Angel
William Edmondson
American Art
On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts
The frontal, stylized pose and formal simplicity of this angel convey the expressive essence of William Edmondson’s art. The pitted limestone surface recalls the weathered early American and African American tombstones that were sources for many
of his motifs.
Edmondson did not begin to sculpt until about 1931, when he experienced a divine calling from God commanding him to carve tombstones. He initially fashioned chisels from railroad spikes and worked from discarded pieces of limestone. Gradually, he extended the scope of his work to include small animals, figures, and biblical imagery, referring to his sculptures as “miracles.”
of his motifs.
Edmondson did not begin to sculpt until about 1931, when he experienced a divine calling from God commanding him to carve tombstones. He initially fashioned chisels from railroad spikes and worked from discarded pieces of limestone. Gradually, he extended the scope of his work to include small animals, figures, and biblical imagery, referring to his sculptures as “miracles.”
MEDIUM
Limestone
DATES
n.d.
DIMENSIONS
18 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 7 in. (47.0 x 34.3 x 17.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Unsigned
COLLECTIONS
American Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
87.28
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1973, provenance not yet documented; by 1973, acquired by Doris Lee; 1978, acquired from Doris Lee by Edmond L. Fuller; between 1978 and 1987, provenance not yet documented; by February 1987, acquired by Alastair Bradley Martin and Edith Park Martin (Mrs. Alastair Bradley Martin); April 16, 1987, gift of Alastair Bradley Martin and Edith Park Martin to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Blocky and simplifed figure of angel standing on a rectangular plinth with hands clasped in front of belly, wings attached to hooded cloak that falls to floor around body, surfaces roughly hewn and pocked.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts
CAPTION
William Edmondson (American, 1874–1951). Angel, n.d. Limestone, 18 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 7 in. (47.0 x 34.3 x 17.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection, 87.28 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.28_front_PS22.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 87.28_front_PS22.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
© Estate of William Edmondson
After diligent research, the Museum is unable to locate contact information for the artist or artist's estate, or there are no known living heirs.
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