Fred Webster Folk Art Sculpture of Snake Handling Figures

Item Details

A circa 1990s carved wooden polychrome folk art sculpture by listed Fayette County, Alabama outsider artist Fred Webster. The piece depicts a family of three figures attending a snake-handling Pentecostal church service. A female figure to the center stands at a podium and holds a patterned viper aloft, as a male figure standing next to her holds a spotted snake. The figures are mounted to a platform with a front railing marked with a small wooden sign reading ‘Serpents Want Harm Children of God’ (sic); the statement is a Biblical reference to Luke 10:19 which states, ‘Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions.. and nothing shall by any means hurt you.’ The work is signed ‘Fred Webster, Berry, Ala’ in pen to the underside.

Berry, Alabama folk artist Fred Webster (1911 – 1998) was a high school principal and teacher who began his art career in 1976. His colorful, stylized painted sculptures are inspired by his rural Alabama upbringing, with themes including Bible stories, church services, animals and political figures.

Condition

- minor markings and wear; slight fading to paint.

Dimensions

Item #

18LEX025-078