50 years of color: the mural
THE PAintings THAT INSPIRED THE MURAL
American Gothic by Grant Wood
Grant Wood's *American Gothic* (1930) depicts a farmer, holding a pitchfork, and his daughter in front of a Gothic-style house. Fun fact: Wood used his dentist as the model for the farmer and his sister for the daughter! The painting both critiques and celebrates rural American life, symbolizing resilience during the Great Depression humorously critiques rural American life while symbolizing resilience during the Great Depression.
Portrait of Dora Maar by Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso's *Portrait of Dora Maar* (1937) presents his muse and lover, surrealist photographer Dora Maar, through bold, distorted shapes and vibrant colors. Fun fact: Picasso admired Maar’s intelligence and creativity, and depicted her in various styles, reflecting their intense, sometimes volatile relationship. The portrait embodies the emotional complexity and psychological depth of their connection, a hallmark of Picasso's Cubist period.
Polynesian Woman with Children by Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin's *Polynesian Woman with Children* (1901) portrays a serene Polynesian mother surrounded by her children, set against a lush tropical backdrop. Fun fact: Gauguin sought to capture the simplicity and tranquility of Tahitian life, often idealizing it. His fascination with Polynesian culture is evident in his use of warm, vibrant colors and symbolic elements, reflecting both the beauty and mystique he found during his time in Tahiti.
Portrait of Juan de Pareja by Diego Velázquez
Diego Velázquez’s Portrait of Juan de Pareja (1650) is a masterful depiction of his assistant, Juan de Pareja, who was of Moorish descent and enslaved at the time. Painted in Rome, this striking portrait is known for its lifelike realism and dignified representation of Pareja. Fun fact: Velázquez freed Pareja shortly after creating this portrait, and Pareja became a respected painter in his own right. The portrait's powerful composition and psychological depth make it one of Velázquez’s most celebrated works.
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (1907) is a shimmering masterpiece of gold leaf, intricate patterns, and Art Nouveau elegance. Commissioned by Bloch-Bauer’s husband, the painting captures Adele in a regal, luxurious setting. Fun fact: This portrait, often called the "Woman in Gold," became famous not only for its beauty but also due to its restitution to Adele’s family after it was looted by the Nazis. Klimt's use of gold and geometric motifs reflects his fascination with Byzantine art, making this one of his most iconic works.
Portrait of Jeanne Hebuterne in a large hat by Amedeo Modigliani
Amedeo Modigliani's Portrait of Jeanne Hébuterne in a Large Hat (1918) captures his muse and lover, Jeanne, in his signature elongated style, with soft curves and muted colors. The large hat adds a touch of elegance to the intimate, melancholic portrayal. Fun fact: Jeanne, an artist herself, was a constant subject of Modigliani's paintings, symbolizing their deep, tragic love. Modigliani's distinct style, with simplified forms and graceful lines, gives the portrait a timeless, dreamy quality, reflective of their brief but passionate relationship..
The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo's The Two Fridas (1939) is a powerful double self-portrait depicting two versions of herself: one in traditional Tehuana attire with a broken heart, and the other in European-style clothing with an intact heart. Fun fact: This painting was created after Kahlo’s separation from Diego Rivera and symbolizes her emotional struggles. The linked hearts, blood, and surgical tools reflect her physical and emotional pain. The work explores themes of duality, identity, and vulnerability, making it one of Kahlo’s most iconic and personal pieces.
Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat) by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen
Le Chat Noir (1896) by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen is an iconic poster created to advertise the famous Parisian cabaret of the same name, Le Chat Noir. The artwork features a sleek black cat with piercing eyes, stylized in a bold, Art Nouveau design. Fun fact: The cabaret, founded by Rodolphe Salis, was a popular meeting place for artists, writers, and musicians of the Montmartre district. Steinlen's poster became one of the most recognizable images from the Belle Époque, capturing the bohemian spirit and avant-garde culture of late 19th-century Paris.
Young Lady with Gloves by Tamara de Lempicka
Tamara de Lempicka's Young Lady with Gloves (1930) is a striking example of Art Deco portraiture, depicting a fashionable woman with a sleek bob, red lips, and elegant gloves. The painting showcases de Lempicka’s signature style, with smooth, polished surfaces and bold, geometric forms. Fun fact: De Lempicka was known for portraying strong, glamorous women, reflecting the spirit of modernity and independence in the early 20th century. This portrait, with its cool elegance and dynamic composition, embodies the luxurious, sophisticated atmosphere of the Jazz Age.