Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Live Auction

June Southern Estates & Collections: Session I

Tue, Jun 20, 2023 10:00AM EDT
Lot 360

Howard Finster, Bull Headed & Stubborn, Mixed Media

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Sold for

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
$300,000 $10,000

Property from a Georgia Private Collector

Description:

Howard Finster (GA, 1916-2001), Bull Headed and Stubborn, Mixed Media, 1995, signed in the bull, upper right and in text, dated 'Oct. 25, 1995' on verso, a painted wood bull mounted to board, with a jar lid moon, plastic wheels, a block with sermon and a red painted border lined with Coca Cola bottle caps, the bull reading 'Small Braine Big. Head.,' 'Bull Headed and Stubborn,' 'Stiff Neck,' and 'Except you become as humble as a little child, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.,' dated and numbered on verso.

'Reverend Howard Finster, a self proclaimed “Man of Visions”, Finster was one of America’s most widely known and prolific self-taught artists producing over 46,991 pieces of art before his death in 2001. He saw himself as a sacred artist, tirelessly recording his visionary prophesies and providing glimpses of a celestial outer space world that God revealed to him. These visionary journeys were very real for Finster, providing a limitless variety of images for his creative endeavors. Born in rural Alabama in 1916, Finster went on to become a preacher, tent revivalist, and “master of 22 different trades” before building his roadside tribute to inventors the Plant Farm Museum. Later dubbed “Paradise Garden,” this rock and junk encrusted wonderland became the focus of Finster’s life work. In 1976, however, this focus shifted. As he was using his fingers to apply paint to a refurbished bicycle, Finster noticed that the paint smudge on the tip of his finger had formed a human face. A voice spoke to him, saying, “paint sacred art.” Finster began churning out thousands of sermon-laden artworks with subjects ranging from historical characters and popular culture icons like Elvis Presley to evangelistic fantasy landscapes and futuristic cities. Most works are meticulously coated in Finster’s own hand-lettered words and Biblical verse.' (Paradise Garden Foundation)

Measurements: Height: 16 1/4 in. x Width: 26 3/4 in.

Condition:

Good condition, some light wear to paint.

Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the conditions of aging. Complete condition reports are available by request, no later than 24 hours prior to the live auction. All lots are offered and sold 'as is', and Everard Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. We do not guarantee the condition of frames. By placing a bid, either in person, by phone, absentee or via the Internet, you signify that you agree to be bound by the conditions of sale. Everard Auctions does not provide any shipping or packing services. We recommend that all potential buyers obtain pack/ship estimates prior to bidding. Please contact us for a list of recommended shippers.

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