Lot 197: William Edmondson Sculpture, Two Doves, exhibited

William Edmondson (American/Tennessee, 1874-1951) carved limestone sculpture of two doves perched on a rectangular ledge. Both birds lower their beaks into their breast feathers in a shared posture. Incised lines describe their wing, breast, and tail feathers. Underside of base marked “30”. 7 in. H x 9 in. W x 7 in. D. Exhibited, “Will Edmondson’s Mirkels,” Cheekwood (Nashville, TN),1964, catalog no. 30. 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. 

PROVENANCE:

The collection of Wharton McDaniel, by descent from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Rutherford McDaniel of Nashville and later, Texarkana, TX. Bill McDaniel was a publisher, radio station owner, publicist, and an editor at the Nashville Tennessean newspaper. In the 1930s, Bill McDaniel and William Edmondson both worked for the Federal Works Progress Administration in Nashville. In his role at the WPA, McDaniel served as director of the Tennessee Writers’ Project, and published Tennessee: A Guide to the State (which briefly referenced Edmondson and his work). 

CONDITION:

Good condition with general overall weathering. Stable, possibly inherent hairline crack to underside and extending into front edge of base at left, 3 1/2 inch long. Shallow area of loss to left side of right dove’s head, 3/4 in. x 1/2 in. Darkening or surface accretion primarily to perch and to right side of right dove and chest of left dove. With adhesive residue to underside plus marker inscription that reads “30″ (presumably from the 1964 exhibition).