Train198351 3/4 x 86 3/4 x 33 " (131.4 x 220.3 x 83.8 cm)Wire, aluminum, headlight and bulb, beads, and found objectsGift of Elizabeth Ross Johnson1985.25.10(including construction) Large model of train constructed of grid-worked wire and cut sheet aluminum, ends of wire twisted and hooked together to join pieces. Cylindrical body with two smokestacks, windows each side, one front and back, and 1 1/4"w aluminum bindings on front, middle, back and along length of each side. Box cabin behind with domed top and five windows; front of train with mounted conical hood converging to pointed end and bound with aluminum strips. two wheels mounted each side and connected by aluminum bar. Decorated overall with beads and found objects; figures, animals and pious sayings painted on cut aluminum hung with wire inside various sections of the train. Aluminum bindings on front, middle, back and each side along length of cylinder; headlight in front.152770793Howard FinsterSculpture© Howard Finster / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New Yorktowards front of cylinder on suspended aluminum sign behind figure of woman in red dress: CASEY JONES ENGENE/I HOWARD FINSTER VISITED/CASEY JONES HOME SEEN/HIS TRAIN: TOOK WIRE FLOWERS/AND MADE IT. 2000 AND 849/PIECES OF ART. NO LIMET WHAT/YOU CAN MAKE WITH FENCE WIRE/YARD CHAIRS. TABLES, HOUSES, ANIMALS/PEOPLE AND ON. 10:58 P>M> MAY 27, 1983. Signed below in pencil: Howard FinsterSummervilleSummervilleUnited StatesGeorgiaThree Dimensional WorksSummervilleSCULPTUREThe Glory Train is a potent and persistent Christian metaphor in music, word, and visual art. Often described as a silver train, its reflective surface is a sign of God’s blazing light. Some believe the symbolism derives from a translation of Ephesians 4: “Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led a train of vanquished foes.” In this work, revivalist Baptist minister Howard Finster has captured the silvery transcendence of the Glory Train through his literal use of silver metallic wire.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Train," exhibition label for Ooh, Shiny!. Stacy Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2010. 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 19831983 1985 25 1 SCULPTUREThe Glory Train is a potent and persistent Christian metaphor in music, word, and visual art. Often described as a silver train, its reflective surface is a sign of God’s blazing light. Some believe the symbolism derives from a translation of Ephesians 4: “Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led a train of vanquished foes.” In this work, revivalist Baptist minister Howard Finster has captured the silvery transcendence of the Glory Train through his literal use of silver metallic wire.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Train," exhibition label for Ooh, Shiny!. Stacy Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2010. 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