Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1993.9.3 |
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Description |
Gray limestone sculpture, "Three Doves" by William Edmondson. Three doves are perched in a row, each bird carved in the same style with stiff postures. The two outside doves have broken beaks; the middle has broken feet. Born to freed slaves on a plantation near Nashville, William Edmondson went on to become an acclaimed folk artist. While working as a stonemason’s assistant, Edmondson discovered his talent for carving limestone. Deeply religious, William Edmondson believed his sculpture was ordained by God. In addition to memorial gravestones, Edmondson also created sculptures of animals and everyday people. Birds, particularly doves, were a favorite subject of the artist’s, perhaps because they referenced favorite Biblical stories, the flight to heaven, or Black freedom. |
Title |
Three Doves |
Date |
c. 1940 |
Role of Creator |
Artist |
Creator |
Edmondson, William |
Medium |
limestone |
Dimensions |
H-6 W-10 D-8 cm |
Credit line |
Transfer from the University of Tennessee College of Human Ecology, acquired through US Works Progress Administration (WPA), Federal Arts Project, 1941 |
Place of Origin |
US/TN/Nashville |
Subjects |
African American Birds Carving Doves Limestone quarrying Religion Sculpture Stone carving |