Gregory D. Ridley (American/Tennessee, 1925-2004), "Christ," mixed media oval plaque with inset copper panel depicting the face of Christ, surrounded by thick applications of silver and gold metallic paint on an oval wooden support. Signed and dated '95 en verso. 11" x 8 1/2". Biography: Greg Ridley was born in Smyrna, TN, and moved with his family to Nashville, TN in 1936. After his service in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in art education from Tennessee State University and went on to become the first African American to receive a Master's degree in fine arts from the University of Louisville. Ridley also attended Fisk University (where he later worked), where he studied under Aaron Douglas, the Harlem Renaissance painter and muralist, who remained a close friend and mentor until his death in 1979. Ridley taught at various Southern universities as well as the City University of New York. One of his last and best-known works was the creation of 80 copper panels for the Grand Reading Room of the Nashville, TN Public Library. Some losses to silver paint along edges, up to 1".Tiny scuff or paint drip to subject's beard.