William H. Johnson, born Florence, SC 1901-died Central Islip, NY 1970 Search this
Medium:
oil on hardboard (Masonite)
Dimensions:
39 1/8 x 37 1/8 in. (99.3 x 94.3 cm)
Type:
Painting
Date:
ca. 1945
Exhibition Label:
The Rev. M. J. Divine (1876--1965), known as Father Divine, created the International Peace Mission Movement in the early twentieth century. A dynamic preacher, he advocated racial integration, universal peace, abstinence from alcohol and smoking, and celibacy. His followers lauded Father Divine as God incarnate and adhered to these strict tenets. His popularity skyrocketed during the Great Depression when, as part of its Holy Communion ritual, the Peace Mission hosted banquets that provided much needed food for followers and visitors.
In Historical Scene Johnson portrays Father Divine wearing a green suit with yellow socks and tie. His wife, Peninnah (Mother Divine), dressed in blue, stands opposite a group of devoted followers, called Mission Angels. The Peace Mission grew nationally and internationally throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Across the top half of the painting are buildings the Peace Mission used as communal homes or offices. The exuberant women and multiracial waving hands in the bottom corners were probably inspired by March of Time newsreel coverage of the Mission's 1936 rally in New York City.
