Daniel MacMorris O/B Mural Study, History of the

Daniel Leroy MacMorris (New York/Missouri, 1893-1981) oil on board study for a mural at the Law Library Reading Room at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, Supreme Court of Ohio, circa 1933. The panel depicts a seated woman in classical dress, representing science, holding a globe in one hand and open book in the other. The book is being read by a young man seated at her feet, holding a hammer, representing industry. Patterned yellow background with a blue border. Signed and dated "3'32" lower right. Housed in a giltwood frame with a beaded course running pattern. Sight - 22 1/2" H x 12 3/8" W. Framed - 26 3/4" H x 17" W. The painting is a study for one of the artist's earliest public mural projects. It is the last of six panels depicting the history of the printed word and was intended to symbolize that scientific and technical developments are made possible with the knowledge available in printed books. 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. 1/8" area of paint loss, top left. Pinprick hole, top center.