Untitled1965–198424 3/4 x 11 1/4 x 1/2 " (62.9 x 28.6 x 1.3 cm)Paint on metal, plasticGift of Elizabeth Ross Johnson1985.35.150Highly abstract representation of Christ on cross constructed of two cut-out pieces of sheet tin. Figure of Christ with heart-shaped head, projections either side of neck, yellow wing-like raised arms with vertical slashes for fingers and brass stamped coin stapled to each palm. Torpedo shaped torso painted blue, Tapering to narrow black point with curlicues either side. Smooth black hair painted around projecting rim of head. With applied "buttons" cut from tin and wired to head. Four vertical holes cut L and R outlined in red and yellow. On fanciful cross cut separately from tin; cross bar with 3/4" diameter hole L&R terminating in curlicues, painted black over red. Vertical post painted black with chamfered corners T and B, widening to base, cut-out T center; six claw-like projectiions either side length of post. Circles cut out below cross bar. Back painted green, blue, orange, red black.152385256David ButlerSculptureCopyright for this work is under review. Christ on the CrossChrist on the CrossChrist on the CrossPattersonPattersonUnited StatesLouisianaThree Dimensional WorksPattersonCorrespondence between Stacy Hollander and Richard Gasperi on June 21, 1988 established that Gasperi possibly purchased the work from the artist in 1983. Later correspondence between Fran Lieu and Richard Gasperi in 1989 establishes that Gasperi possibly purchased the work in 1983. Purchase records provided by the Teal Group indicate that the work was purchased from Gasperi in 1984. While these dates reflect purchase dates and not creation date, they establish that the work was made prior to 1984. An exact date cannot be ascertained from the material or formal quality of the work. Best-knowledge date for his earliest works coincide with the purchase of the house he decorated with his works in 1965.reviewed for the IMLS Neurodiversity Project by Art Bridges Fellow Austin Losada 2026.Richard Gasperi in letter to Stacy Hollander believes David Butler did not construct this, but only painted it (See object file).Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.orgChrist on the CrossChrist on the CrossChrist on the CrossChrist on the Cross19651984 1985 35 15 Correspondence between Stacy Hollander and Richard Gasperi on June 21, 1988 established that Gasperi possibly purchased the work from the artist in 1983. Later correspondence between Fran Lieu and Richard Gasperi in 1989 establishes that Gasperi possibly purchased the work in 1983. Purchase records provided by the Teal Group indicate that the work was purchased from Gasperi in 1984. While these dates reflect purchase dates and not creation date, they establish that the work was made prior to 1984. An exact date cannot be ascertained from the material or formal quality of the work. Best-knowledge date for his earliest works coincide with the purchase of the house he decorated with his works in 1965.reviewed for the IMLS Neurodiversity Project by Art Bridges Fellow Austin Losada 2026.Richard Gasperi in letter to Stacy Hollander believes David Butler did not construct this, but only painted it (See object file).Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org