2 Daniel MacMorris O/B Paintings, Old and New America

Daniel Leroy MacMorris (New York/Missouri, 1893-1981) oil on board diptych paintings, studies for an unidentified mural, one representing Pre-Columbian America with three Native American figures and animals in a forest setting, presided over by a defied chieftain illuminated by rays of sunlight; the other representing modern America with a group of Classical figures in a garden setting, surrounded by the Capitol Building and skyscrapers, presided over by the goddess Liberty, illuminated by rays of sunlight. The phrase "He Doeth Best Who Loveth Best All Things Both Great and Small/...For The Dear God Who Loveth Us: He Made and Loveth All" is inscribed on plaques held by figures in both paintings and surrounded by decorative borders. Both signed and dated "Macmorris 32" lower left. Both housed in identical giltwood frames with off white linen and giltwood liner. 23 3/8" H x 11" W. Framed - 27" H x 14 1/2" W. American, early 20th century. Biography: Daniel Leroy Macmorris worked as an illustrator for the Kansas City Star and studied with August Gorguet in Paris. Upon his return to the U.S. he set up a studio above Carnegie Hall in New York and while in the city studied with Joseph Pennell, Robert Henri, and George Bridgeman. He exhibited at the Durand Ruel Galleries in Paris, New York and Newport and also painted murals. After World War II (in which he taught camoflauge painting) he returned to Kansas City to teach and paint. He painted murals for the Nelson Art Gallery, the Liberty Memorial Building, and Public Library in Kansas City, and for what is now known as the Ohio Judicial Center in Columbis, OH. He also modified and installed the enormous "Pantheon de la Guerre" on the walls of what is now known as the National World War One Museum in Kansas City. (source: 60 Years Macmorris by Daniel Macmorris; Peter Falk, "Who Was Who in American Art.") Provenance: private Knoxville collection. Consignor's mother was a student of Daniel MacMorris and purchased these works directly from him.
Condition Report: Overall very good condition with areas of paint loss/rubbing, largest 1/2". 3 3/4" surface scratch, lower center of Native American painting.