William H. Johnson, Going to Church, ca. 1940-1941, oil on burlap, 38 1⁄8 x 45 3⁄8 in. (96.8 x 115.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.1003
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Going to Church
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1940-1941
- Location
- Dimensions
- 38 1⁄8 x 45 3⁄8 in. (96.8 x 115.4 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Harmon Foundation
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on burlap
- Classifications
- Highlights
- Subjects
- Figure group
- Travel — land — cart
- Architecture — religious — church
- African American
- Animal — cattle
- Object Number
- 1967.59.1003
Artwork Description
William H. Johnson painted rural scenes inspired in part by his memories of growing up in South Carolina. A family of four ride on an oxcart toward a distant hill, where three crosses mark their physical destination as well as their spiritual home on Calvary. The flat composition, comprised of clashing hues arranged in stripes and color blocks, recalls the story quilts made of scraps pieced together by African American women.