Jesse Howard (1885–1983) | Walther Funk

Sorehead Hill Farm, Fulton, MO
Oil on tin panels (animal feed advertisements)
Circa: 1960
Size: 19 1/2” x 38 1/4”
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10 months / 0% Interest
A rare triptych from Jesse Howard painted on the backside of tin animal feed advertisemnts. Here Howard expounds on the Nazi war criminal, Walther Funk's death—that it came too easy for him. The work features Howard's use of bold type and illustrated hands pointing to emphasize important points. This subject is a follow up on an earlier work from 1957 when Howard exclaimed about war criminal Walther Funk's release from prison (that work is at The John Michael Kohler Art Center).

Jesse Howard was known for his compelling works, which blended elements of folk art, outsider art, and self-expression. Born in 1885 in Missouri, he spent most of his life in the rural town of Fulton, where he created a vast and unconventional outdoor art environment. Howard's art was a product of his passion for self-taught creativity, and he used discarded materials like old signs, scrap wood, and various found objects to craft his pieces. His sprawling yard became an ever-evolving canvas that featured hand-painted signs and messages, often expressing his strongly held beliefs on a variety of subjects, including politics, religion, and social issues.

Jesse Howard's art was deeply personal and rooted in his experiences and convictions, making it a powerful means of communication and protest. He was a self-proclaimed "messenger of truth," and his artwork served as a platform to challenge prevailing norms and spark conversations. Howard's uncompromising commitment to his craft and his unapologetic, unfiltered expression earned him recognition and respect in the art world. His legacy endures as an embodiment of the enduring power of self-expression, reminding us that art is not confined to traditional boundaries or formal training, and that sometimes the most potent artistic statements come from the margins of society.

Related: The John Michael Kohler Art Center has a related piece relating to when Funk was first released.

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES AVAILABLE.

Condition: Excellent with wear commensurate with age and exposure.

Price: SOLD

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