Artist:

Robert Windham, born Ebenezer, AL 1911-died Ebenezer, AL 1993  Search this

Medium:

catalpa

Dimensions:

12 x 6 3/4 x 7 5/8 in. (30.5 x 17.0 x 19.4 cm.)

Type:

Sculpture

Folk Art

Date:

1979

Luce Center Label:

Sculptor Robert Windham lived in rural Alabama and drew much of his inspiration from statues and gravestones in local cemeteries. He carved Angel of Death from catalpa wood, a light-colored exotic hardwood that is native to the eastern United States. Windham applied tung oil to the surface to create a rich, golden finish that emphasizes the wood's subtle grain. In this piece the angel shows compassion for a dying man who lies comforted by her enveloping arms and sweeping wings.

Topic:

Figure male\elderly  Search this

Allegory\death  Search this

Religion\angel  Search this

Credit Line:

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. James L. Whitehead and Mr. P. Elliot Ellis

Object number:

1980.108.2

Restrictions & Rights:

Usage conditions apply

See more items in:

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department:

Painting and Sculpture

On View:

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 26B

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor

Data Source:

Smithsonian American Art Museum

GUID:

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7401b14ba-2c88-4b35-b592-6a58d76b466a

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:saam_1980.108.2