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Piece of pyrite from the workshop of C. Edgar Patience, n. d. Creator: Unknown
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Piece of pyrite from the workshop of C. Edgar Patience, n. d. Creator: Unknown
Charles Edgar Patience (1906-1972), was an African American anthracite coal sculptor who raised the form to high art, exhibiting works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Even though he had never been a miner, the coal dust he had been inhaling throughout his sixty-five years living and working in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, northeastern Pennsylvania, damaged his lungs, and he died from the curse of miners, black lung disease. This irregularly shaped unused piece of pyrite was found in Patiences workshop
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Media ID 22177370
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Black History Coal Cultural Heritage Fuel Geological Geology Heritage Iron Mineral Nmaahc Afro American Anthracite Craftsmanship Fools Gold Iron Pyrite Pyrite
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a piece of pyrite from the workshop of the renowned African American sculptor, C. Edgar Patience. Despite never having worked as a miner, Patience spent his entire life surrounded by anthracite coal in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His exceptional talent elevated coal sculpture to new heights, earning him accolades and exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution. Tragically, Patience's artistic journey was cut short by black lung disease caused by years of inhaling coal dust. This irregularly shaped unused pyrite specimen serves as a poignant reminder of his legacy and the sacrifices he made for his craft. Pyrite, also known as fool's gold due to its resemblance to real gold, is an iron sulfide mineral with significant geological importance. In this context, it symbolizes both the fuel that powered Patience's creativity and the challenges he faced throughout his life. As we reflect on this photograph, we are reminded not only of Charles Edgar Patience's remarkable craftsmanship but also of his contribution to African American heritage art. This image stands as a testament to resilience in adversity and serves as an important artifact within our nation's cultural history. Displayed proudly at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), this piece invites us to appreciate not only its aesthetic value but also its profound significance in representing an artist whose work transcended boundaries despite facing personal hardships.
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