Cane with Man and Pistol

Denzil Goodpaster, Cane with Man and Pistol, 1991, carved and painted wood and plastic resin, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ken and Donna Fadeley in honor of Robert H. Martin, 1991.158.5
Copied Denzil Goodpaster, Cane with Man and Pistol, 1991, carved and painted wood and plastic resin, 40 182 382 316 in. (101.96.05.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ken and Donna Fadeley in honor of Robert H. Martin, 1991.158.5

Artwork Details

Title
Cane with Man and Pistol
Date
1991
Dimensions
40 182 382 316 in. (101.96.05.6 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Ken and Donna Fadeley in honor of Robert H. Martin
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood and plastic resin
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure male
  • Object — weapon — gun
Object Number
1991.158.5

Artwork Description

Artists decorate canes with a wide variety of images, from traditional carvings of snakes and birds, to nude women, political figures, and celebrities. Some artists highlight the natural shape of the wood by applying relief designs onto twisted branches and roots, while others carve three-dimensional shapes into the shaft. Images of animals are the most popular decoration, but many canes also show patriotic, fraternal, and political themes. (George Meyer, American Folk Art Canes, 1992)