Swing Low, Sweet Chariot 1944

"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is a 1944 painting by the American artist William H. Johnson, known for his folk art style. The painting depicts a spiritual scene with a man reaching up towards a group of women singing in a chariot pulled by a white horse. The bright colors and simplified forms are characteristic of Johnson's style, which was inspired by African American folk art and the Harlem Renaissance. The painting speaks to the themes of hope and faith, emphasizing the enduring strength of the African American community in the face of adversity. The title is a reference to a popular spiritual song that celebrates the idea of freedom and salvation.