Marian Anderson Carving

Date1975-1976

Artist/Maker Elijah Pierce (1894-1982)

OriginAmerica, Ohio, Columbus

MediumPainted wood, cardboard, glitter, felt tip pen.

DimensionsOverall: 14 3/4 x 9 3/4in. (37.5 x 24.8cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1995.701.1

DescriptionRelief carving of a full-length seated portrait of the singer Marian Anderson, painted in bright colors, surrounded by a frame which is integral to the piece.
The seated figure sits with her hands clasped in front of her surrounded by large flowering plants. She is wearing a blue and white striped long sleeved dress with a v-neck collar in blue with a white border at the neckline.
Label TextElijah Pierce supported himself by barbering, but he was called to preach early in life, and his best known woodcarvings illustrate religious themes. He also created secular subjects, such as this iconic image of the celebrated vocalist Marian Anderson, illustrating turning points of American socio-political life.
Racial discrimination stymied Anderson's singing career, but in 1939 she won a notable victory for Americans of African descent. After being denied a chance to perform at Washington’s Constitution Hall, the gifted contralto sang at the Lincoln Memorial by special invitation of Eleanor Roosevelt. Pierce's rendering of the triumphant moment shows Anderson attired in the dress she wore on the occasion, her hands modestly clasped in front of her. The singer's wide-eyed, unfixed gaze commands attention, suggesting that she is drawing on inner resources to weather the effects of her successive affront and acclaim.

Exhibition(s)