Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, "Legislation"
ca. 1913
Medium
Painting
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing
Accession Number
1983.114.10
Tags
Art Historical Context
Kenyon Cox’s “Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, ‘Legislation’” offers a fascinating glimpse into the planning of grand civic decoration. Created around 1913, this painting served as a preparatory work for a mosaic that would eventually adorn the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. Cox, a leading figure of the American Renaissance, frequently drew on classical traditions to celebrate democratic ideals, and this study reflects his commitment to linking modern government with the timeless imagery of ancient lawgivers. The composition features full-length figures in classical dress, evok...
About the Artist
Kenyon Cox · 1856–1919
Kenyon Cox (1856–1919) was born on October 27 in Warren, Ohio, to General Jacob Dolson Cox, a prominent politician and Civil War veteran, and Helen Finney Cox. Despite fragile health, young Cox pursued art at the Art Academy of Cincinnati before advancing to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. In 1877, he traveled to Paris, studying first under Carolus-Duran, then at the Éco...