Angel
n.d.
William Edmondson
American, 1874-1951
American Art
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.”
- Maker/Artist
- Edmondson, William
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Limestone
- Medium
- limestone
- Dimensions
- 18 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 7 in. (47.0 x 34.3 x 17.8 cm)
- Departments
- American Art
- Accession Number
- 87.28
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection
- Rights Statement
- Orphaned work
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