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William Edmondson (American/Tennessee, 1874-1951), “Mother and Child,” carved limestone sculpture depicting a woman with high forehead and short hair, balancing a child on one hip and carrying a pocketbook in the other hand. 13 in. H x 5 1/4 in. W x 5 1/3 in. D (overall). Illustrated, Edmond Fuller, “Visions in Stone: The Sculpture of William Edmondson,” fig. 56.
Note: At the time Fuller’s book was published by the Univ. of Pittsburgh Press in 1973, this sculpture was owned by Bette Obermeyer Schultz of Nashville. It was acquired by Myron King, owner of Lyzon Art Gallery in Nashville at an unknown date. For at least the past twenty five years, it has been in the same Middle Tennessee family collection as “The Preacher,” an Edmondson sculpture auctioned by Case in 2020, and “Lady with a Bustle,” also by Edmondson, auctioned by Case in January, 2025, both of which were also acquired through Myron King by the consignor’s family.
Artist biography: William Edmondson, the first African American artist to have a solo exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art, was born in Davidson County, Tennessee. The son of freed slaves, he worked most of his life as a railroad employee and janitor. A spiritual experience at the age of 57 prompted him to begin sculpting limestone, and he credited divine inspiration for the works produced during his 17-year art career. In the 1930s, his work caught the attention of well-connected Nashville arts patrons Alfred and Elizabeth Starr and Harper’s Bazaar photographer Louise Dahl-Wolfe, wife of Nashville-born artist Meyer Wolfe.
Louise Dahl-Wolfe’s now-famous photographs of Edmondson and his yard full of limestone sculptures brought him to the attention of the New York art world and gained him the acquaintance of Alfred Barr, Jr., director of the Museum of Modern Art, resulting in the landmark 1937 exhibit. Although Edmondson’s earliest work was more utilitarian in nature, such as tombstones and birdbaths, as his style matured his subject matter grew to include Biblical figures, various animals, and female figures, frequently based on women he knew from his community. The theme of “mother and child” was one that seemed to resonate deeply with Edmondson. He returned to it frequently in his carving career, and several other variations of this form are known.
PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee Collection, ex-Myron King, Nashville, ex-Bette O. Schultz, Nashville.
CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Some wear or erosion to base, but the sculpture sits solidly. Some natural minor staining and oxidation to stone.
