Artwork Page for Singing Saints

Details / Information for Singing Saints

Singing Saints

1940

Sargent Johnson

(American, 1888–1967)
published by

San Francisco Chronicle

printed by

Ray Bertrand

Culture
America
Medium
lithograph
Support
Warren's Olde Style ivory paper
Measurements
Sheet: 46.8 x 30.2 cm (18 7/16 x 11 7/8 in.); Image: 35 x 23.5 cm (13 3/4 x 9 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
L. E. Holden Fund 2013.18
Impression
40
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Johnson, influenced by African sculpture, wanted to restore pride in African Americans' physiognomy, normally defiled and caricatured in popular media. Best known as a sculptor in the San Francisco area, Johnson began making prints in 1936 when he worked for the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project, which gave him access to printmaking facilities and instruction. In 1940 the San Francisco Chronicle began a program selling inexpensive lithographs, including Singing Saints, in an attempt to offer fine art to the public of the American West.
A vertically oriented lithograph depicts two stylized figures with eyes downcast and mouths open. The person on our left wears a wide-brimmed hat, and the person on our right has short, curly hair. They hold a large, rounded stringed instrument. Thin outlines define their upper bodies, contrasting with the dense, dark shading of their lower forms. Handwritten below are the title "Singing Saints," an edition number, and the signature "Sargent Johnson."

Singing Saints

1940

Sargent Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle, Ray Bertrand

(American, 1888–1967)
America

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