For your consideration is a rare and substantial quadriptych woodcut suite titled Emperor Jones by African American artist Aaron Douglas. Each woodcut is individually titled (Bravado Imp 1972, Difiance Imp 1972, Flight Imp 1972, Surrender Imp 1972), with an annotation of 3/20, and hand signed in pencil on the bottom right A. Douglas. Dimensions: 18.25h x 37.5w (framed). In excellent condition. Aaron Douglas (1899-1979) was an American painter, illustrator and visual arts educator. He was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He developed his art career painting murals and creating illustrations that addressed social issues around race and segregation in the United States by utilizing African-centric imagery. In his later years, Douglas received countless honors. In 1963, he was invited by President John F. Kennedy to attend a celebration of the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, held at the White House. He also earned an honorary doctorate from Fisk University in 1973, seven years after his retirement from the school. He remained an active painter and lecturer until the end of his life. Douglas died at the age of 79 on February 2, 1979, in a Nashville hospital. According to some reports, he died of a pulmonary embolism. A special memorial service was held for Douglas at Fisk University, where he had taught for nearly 30 years. At the service, Walter J. Leonard, the university's president at the time, remembered Douglas with the following statement: "Aaron Douglas was one of the most accomplished of the interpreters of our institutions and cultural values. He captured the strength and quickness of the young; he translated the memories of the old; and he projected the determination of the inspired and courageous." In 2016, with the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, an archive of artworks created by or having to do with Aaron Douglas became available on their website.

18.25 x 37.5 in