Angel of Birth
Object Details
- Luce Center Label
- Sculptor Robert Windham lived in rural Alabama and drew much of his inspiration from statues and gravestones in local cemeteries. He carved Angel of Birth from catalpa wood, a light-colored exotic hardwood that is native to the eastern United States. Windham applied tung oil to the surface to create a rich, golden finish that emphasizes the wood's subtle grain. The angel's joyful expression as she holds the baby close to her chest symbolizes the celebration associated with a newborn child.
- Credit Line
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. James L. Whitehead and Mr. P. Elliot Ellis
- Data Source
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Date
- ca. 1978-1979
- Object number
- 1980.108.1
- Artist
- Robert Windham, born Ebenezer, AL 1911-died Ebenezer, AL 1993
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Sculpture
- Folk Art
- Medium
- catalpa
- Dimensions
- 13 x 7 1/2 x 7 1/4 in. (33.0 x 18.9 x 18.5 cm)
- See more items in
- Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
- Department
- Painting and Sculpture
- On View
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 26B
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor
- Topic
- Allegory\life\birth
- Figure\child\full length
- Religion\angel
- Record ID
- saam_1980.108.1
