RALPH CHESSÉ
1940-1950 BIBLICAL STORIES

The flat patterns of fresco design characterized the emerging work of Chessé’s during the 40’s. He produced a series of “Black” subjects inspired by his Southern background and interest in Black folk material. These intensely conceived biblical subjects are semi muralistic in composition and forcefully vital in color. His work here is markedly theatrical, combining the social consciousness of the art of the thirties with color evocative of the French expressionists.

from top to bottom

Moses and the Idolaters #20
owned by Widmore Gallery
1942

Canaan
1942-43

from left to right

Suzanna and the Elders
owned by Richard Arian Weising
1945

Lot's Wife
owned by Widmore Gallery
1944

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Elijah and the Ravens
1945

from left to right

Flight into Egypt
owned by Bruce Chessé
1947

Songs of David
1950

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Bathsheeba
1947

from left to right

Jacob and Angel
1950

Prodical Son
1950

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