40: A CARVED LIMESTONE CAT, MANNER OF WILLIAM EDMONDSON

The primitive but interpretive figure turned to face the viewer, carved and stippled limestone, the slightly distorted crouching figure sans tail sits on a blocky base, unsigned, the artist is so far unknown.

William Edmondson (1874-1951) was the son of slaves. A carver of gravestones, he began figural carving around 1932 and like this cat without a tail, characteristics of his carvings include distorted forms full of character like 'Feet without toes, arms without wrists, and legs without ankles.'

William Edmondson was the first African American artist to have a solo show at the Museum of Modern Art.
Displayed on custom iron stand.
Measures 18.25 x 7 x 4.5 inches, excluding stand.
$2,000 - $3,000