The artwork “Holy Rollers” is an oil on canvas painting created by Archibald Motley in 1929. Measuring approximately 29.25 x 36.12 cm, it is a genre painting that reflects the Art Deco movement of the time. The scene depicted in “Holy Rollers” is a lively and vibrant religious gathering, possibly taking place in a church or meeting hall. The room is filled with people who are engaged in fervent expressions of faith. In the forefront, a woman in a white dress appears to be dancing or caught in a moment of religious ecstasy, with her arms flung wide open. Surrounding her are other individuals, some with their hands raised, and others seemingly clapping or watching the central figure. A few gentlemen in the background are playing musical instruments, contributing to the joyous atmosphere. It’s clear from the motion and gestures that this is a deeply spiritual or emotional event for the participants. The walls are adorned with the words “JESUS” and “SAVES,” reinforcing the religious theme of the scene. The use of light and shadow, along with the vibrant depiction of the figures, gives a sense of movement and energy that captures the essence of the moment.
Please note that the dimensions provided seem atypical for canvas sizes, which are usually measured in inches rather than centimeters, especially for a work from 1929, and the given size seems relatively small for a typical Art Deco era painting.
