Preacher, 1931-1939, William Edmondson, limestone, 17.88 inches high, UT College of Human Ecology, 1993.9.1.
A gray limestone sculpture of a preacher carved in a folk rough cut with little concern for realism. Born in Nashville, William Edmondson (ca. 1874-1951) was a self-taught sculptor who entered the world of art by a divine command. In 1937, he became the first African-American artist to have a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.