Kenyon Cox, Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, "The Sources of Wealth", ca. 1903, oil on canvas, 9 3⁄4 x 28 1⁄2 in. (24.8 x 72.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing, 1983.114.3
Free to use
Copied
Artwork Details
- Title
- Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, “The Sources of Wealth”
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1903
- Location
- Dimensions
- 9 3⁄4 x 28 1⁄2 in. (24.8 x 72.4 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on canvas
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Dress — historic — classical dress
- Study
- Figure group
- Allegory — quality — wealth
- Object Number
- 1983.114.3
Artwork Description
Kenyon Cox spent a great deal of time planning his murals and often created multiple studies before he was satisfied with the design. This mural study shows how he worked out his color scheme. Before deciding on the facial expressions of his figures, Cox balanced the figural groups. Red accents connect all the figures with each other and unify the design. Cox’s attention to harmonizing colors reflects his idea of painting as a selection of colors and forms chosen to make the most unified image. (Morgan, Keepers of Culture, 1989)
