I Baptize Thee

William H. Johnson, I Baptize Thee, ca. 1940, oil on burlap, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.977
William H. Johnson, I Baptize Thee, ca. 1940, oil on burlap, 38 1845 12 in. (96.9115.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.977

Artwork Details

Title
I Baptize Thee
Date
ca. 1940
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
38 1845 12 in. (96.9115.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Harmon Foundation
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on burlap
Classifications
Subjects
  • Ceremony — religion — baptism
  • African American
  • Figure group
Object Number
1967.59.977

Artwork Description

In the background of this painting, Sunday suits and best dresses evoke a Baptist congregation in a rural community. Nearer the viewer, however, the strong profiles, closed eyes, and exaggerated hands and feet recall African art and older rituals of faith. The preacher and congregants stand in a creek or a pond to symbolize crossing the River Jordan into a new life. This symbolism applied as well to the dramatic change in William H. Johnson’s career when he returned to America in 1938. He abandoned his European painting styles and subjects and vowed to paint the authentic spirit of “his own people.”

Works by this artist (1036 items)

William H. Johnson, Portrait of a Man, ca. 1935-1938, oil on burlap, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.814
Portrait of a Man
Dateca. 1935-1938
oil on burlap
On view
William H. Johnson, Sun Setting, Denmark, ca. 1930, oil on burlap, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.720
Sun Setting, Denmark
Dateca. 1930
oil on burlap
On view
William H. Johnson, Breakdown with Flat Tire, ca. 1940-1941, oil on plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.587
Breakdown with Flat Tire
Dateca. 1940-1941
oil on plywood
On view
William H. Johnson, Ferry Boat Trip, ca. 1943-1944, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.1011
Ferry Boat Trip
Dateca. 1943-1944
oil on paperboard
On view

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      Smithsonian American Art Museum Director Elizabeth Broun shares her thoughts about personal favorites from the museum collection. Learn more about William H. Johnson's I Baptize Thee