Schoolteacher 1935

William Edmondson carved this limestone figure, titled "Schoolteacher," sometime in the mid-20th century in Tennessee. Edmondson, an African American man who worked as a hospital janitor, began sculpting after receiving a vision from God. His direct carving style, evident in the figure's simplified form and visible tool marks, reflects his lack of academic training. The choice of a schoolteacher as a subject is particularly interesting, highlighting the importance of education within the African American community during a period of racial segregation and limited opportunities. Edmondson's work gained recognition through exhibitions at venues like the Museum of Modern Art, challenging the art world's established hierarchies. Studying Edmondson requires us to consider the prevailing social conditions, institutional biases, and alternative artistic traditions that shape our understanding of American art history.