Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, The Sources of Wealth”

Kenyon Cox, Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, "The Sources of Wealth", ca. 1903, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing, 1983.114.3
Copied Kenyon Cox, Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, "The Sources of Wealth", ca. 1903, oil on canvas, 9 3428 12 in. (24.872.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing, 1983.114.3
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Artwork Details

Title
Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, The Sources of Wealth”
Artist
Date
ca. 1903
Dimensions
9 3428 12 in. (24.872.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Dress — historic — classical dress
  • Study
  • 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)