The artwork, titled “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” was created by William H. Johnson in the year 1944. It is associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and belongs to the genre of genre painting.
In this vibrant composition, the artwork portrays a dynamic scene filled with distinct, flat colors. The central figure seems to be a man with outstretched arms, depicted in a semi-circular motion, reaching towards a white horse that is part of an abstract chariot. The chariot, adorned with bright reds and oranges, hovers above the figure. Behind the chariot, a group of nine people stands in a line, with wings suggesting a choir of angels ascending towards the heavens, emphasizing the ethereal and spiritual nature of the scene. Their attire features bold and varied colors, enhancing the visual rhythm of the composition. The backdrop, rendered in muted tones, contrasts with the vivid elements of the foreground. The overall tableau suggests themes of hope, transcendence, and spiritual yearning, depicted through Johnson’s characteristic uncomplicated and expressive style.
