Artist:
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Charles Wilbert White
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Title:
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Just a Closer Walk with Thee
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Date:
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1959
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Medium:
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Linocut
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Dimensions:
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12 x 45 in. (30.48 x 114.3 cm) (image)
15 1/2 x 48 5/8 in. (39.37 x 123.51 cm) (sheet)
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Credit Line:
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Gift of funds from the Print and Drawing Council
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Location:
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Gallery 276
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Walking as a metaphor for spiritual fulfillment is the subject of Just a Closer Walk with Thee, a rare linoleum cut by renowned African-American artist Charles W. White. The print borrows its title from the traditional gospel song of the same name, a song thought to have originated from southern African-American churches of the second half of the nineteenth century. In more recent years, the song has become something of a fixture of popular music, especially among jazz musicians. Whiteâs powerful image of a black woman gazing toward heaven, arms outstretched, beseeching Jesus to grant her humble plea to walk beside Him, functions as the visual counterpart to the songâs prayerful lyrics. Though symbolic, the spiritual action of walking with Jesus provides believers with a personally sustaining means to express their faith and devotion.
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
I am weak, but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
Iâll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
When my feeble life is oâer,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me gently, safely oâer
To Thy kingdom's shore, to Thy shore.
Artist/Creator(s)
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Name:
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White, Charles Wilbert
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Nationality:
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American
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Life Dates:
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American, 1918 - 1979
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Object Description
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Inscriptions:
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Signature; Date; Title
Inscribed in pencil, LL: [JUST.A.CLOSER.WALK.WITH.THEE] Signed, dated in pencil, LR: [Charles White '59]
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Classification:
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Prints
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Creation Place:
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North America, United States, , ,
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Edition:
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unknown, but scarce
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Accession #:
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P.99.12.2
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Owner:
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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