Funeral Procession
- Available in a variety of sizes (see product description) and avaialable unframed or custom framed.
- The exact work of art featured prominently in The Cosby Show's Huxtable home for 8 seasons.
- Created by Ellis Wilson, Guggenheim Fellowship recipient and celebrated artist who studied at Chicago's Art Institute
- The original is housed at Tulane University's prestigious Amistad Research Center; reproduced with exceptional attention to color accuracy and detail
- Depicts a funeral procession. An African American community moving with dignity and purpose during this trying time. Created using Wilson's signature bold color palette and expressive silhouette style
Transform your space with the iconic "Funeral Procession" by Ellis Wilson—the legendary work of art that graced The Cosby Show's Huxtable family home for eight unforgettable seasons. This high-quality art reproduction captures Wilson's masterful depiction of a funeral procession through his signature bold colors and expressive style.
Created during Wilson's transformative period in Haiti in the 1950s, this striking composition depicts silhouetted figures in a respectful yet proud procession, using Wilson's unique palette of earthy tones and vivid greens. His Harlem Renaissance background and Guggenheim Fellowship are evident in each brushstroke, lending the piece both historical importance and visual interest.
Wilson, a Kentucky-born artist who studied at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, devoted his career to portraying African American life with authenticity and respect. His work now resides in prestigious collections including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Tulane University's Amistad Research Center, where the original "Funeral Procession" is permanently displayed.
Whether you're a collector of African American art, a fan of The Cosby Show, or someone who appreciates meaningful cultural artwork, this print brings both artistic excellence and cultural significance to your home. Available unframed or with professional framing options to complement any décor style.
The Cosby Show Legacy: From Obscurity to Icon
This masterpiece gained legendary status through its starring role in The Cosby Show's memorable Season 2 episode "The Auction" (1985). In the storyline, Clair Huxtable discovers that her great-uncle Ellis Wilson's painting is being sold at auction after her grandmother had to sell it years earlier for medical bills. The dramatic bidding scene culminates with Clair winning the artwork for $11,500, and Cliff proudly hanging it above their living room fireplace—where it remained for all eight seasons.
The show's impact was transformative for Wilson's legacy. While the artist never earned more than $300 for his paintings during his lifetime and died in relative obscurity in 1977, The Cosby Show introduced millions of viewers to his work. The painting became an integral part of the Huxtable home's visual identity, representing family heritage, cultural pride, and the importance of preserving African American artistic legacy.
For many fans, owning this print means bringing a piece of television history and cultural significance into their own homes—the same artwork that symbolized the successful, educated African American family that The Cosby Show portrayed to audiences worldwide.
Sizing
Large: 30 1/8 x 26 3/4 inches (paper size) - 25 x 24 3/8 inches (image size)
Medium: 18 3/4 x 18 inches (paper size) - 15.35 x 14 1/2 inches (image size)
Mini: 8 1/2 x 11 inches (paper size) - 5 7/8 x 5 5/8 inches (image size)
| Edition | Open Edition |
| Framed | Available framed or unframed |
| Height | Select Size Above |
| Length | Select Size Above |
| Medium | Paper |
| Signed | Unsigned |
| SKU | elwi100 |
Ellis Wilson
Ellis Wilson (1899-1977) was a pioneering African American artist who transformed his Kentucky roots into revolutionary paintings that captured the dignity and beauty of Black life across America and Haiti. A Harlem Renaissance participant and Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, Wilson developed his distinctive style while overcoming racial barriers—from studying at the Art Institute of Chicago during the 1919 race riots to becoming one of the first Black artists featured on national television through The Cosby Show. His vibrant works, which hang in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Gallery of Art, demonstrate his mastery of light and form while documenting pivotal moments in American cultural history. Wilson's commitment to revealing beauty in overlooked places makes his art both a powerful historical record and a testament to the transformative power of artistic vision.Most in stock items ship in 0 to 5 business depending upon the shipping method selected during checkout. Large framed artwork requires an additional 1 to 5 days of processing time to allow for framing. All orders over $250 ship signature required. Pre-Orders, identified by a “Reserve Now” checkout button, can take 3 to 14 business days to process and ship. If there is an issue with your order we will notify you with 1 to 2 business days. For additional information please visit our: Shipping Policy
