Joshua Fit de Battle ob Jericho
1943
Second Version
1942
First Version
Black-and-white lithographs
10" x 13" plates
In many of the works shown in this gallery black and white angels are integrated to trumpet the victory of good over evil. In this case, bold contemporary figures effectively pit good against bad using a contemporary story to update the old spiritual “Joshua Fit de Battle ob Jericho.”
In the black-and-white lithograph, Joe Louis is shown having delivered the final, defeating blow against the Nazi, Max Schmeling. As a tribute to the physically powerful man’s fighting abilities, the victorious Louis is supported from behind by an angel, as he towers over the demon-like Schmeling. The bottom print represents the artist’s second attempt in her arduous mission to send out the right message, which required the arduous job of regrinding the stone on which the lithograph was printed.
