Artist
Carroll Harris SimmsAmerican, 1924–2010
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Vase
Datec.1965
PlaceHouston, Texas, United States
MediumStoneware with Albany slip and Bristol glaze
DimensionsOverall: 14 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 4 1/2in. (36.8 × 11.4 × 11.4cm)
Credit LineGift of Susan Garwood in memory of Susan McAshan
Object number2001.357
Current Location
The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building
Gallery 203
On view
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Department
Decorative Arts, Craft, and DesignObject Type
William H. Johnson joined the Great
Migration to New York’s Harlem in 1918; three
years later, he enrolled at the National Academy
of Design, where Charles Hawthorne became
an important mentor. In 1926 Hawthorne
sponsored Johnson’s travels to France, where he
settled in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The Mediterranean
village became the subject of many paintings,
expressively distorted as if viewed through a
concave lens. Johnson wrote to Hawthorne,
“Here the sun is everything. . . . I am not afraid
to exaggerate a contour, a form, or anything
that gives more character and movement to
the canvas.”
ProvenanceSusan Garwood, Houston; given to MFAH, 2001.
Exhibition History"African-American Art in the Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 22–May 9, 2004.
"Houston Collects: African American Art," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, July 31–October 26, 2008.
"American Made: 250 Years of American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, July 7, 2012–January 2, 2013.
"Statements: African American Art from the Museum's Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, January 24–September 25, 2016.
"Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, June 27–August 30, 2020.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Carved in the underside: "C S"
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Newton, Weller & Wagner Co.
c. 1909–1915
Bristol-glazed stoneware with stenciled cobalt
B.2012.190
