Sttudy of figure of 6 pm, for The Hours mural at the State Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
A hand-painted replica of Edwin Austin Abbey’s masterpiece Sttudy of figure of 6 pm, for The Hours mural at the State Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Edwin Austin Abbey, an American muralist and illustrator, created a series of murals for the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, between 1902 and 1908. Among these works is The Hours, a mural that represents the passage of time through allegorical figures. One of the preparatory studies for this mural is titled Study of Figure of 6 PM. This study, like others Abbey produced, was part of his meticulous process of planning and refining the final composition for the Capitol's decoration.
Abbey was commissioned to create murals for the Pennsylvania State Capitol as part of a larger effort to adorn the building with art that reflected the ideals, history, and culture of the state. His work on the Capitol is considered one of his most significant achievements, showcasing his skill in large-scale mural painting and his ability to convey complex allegorical themes.
The study for the figure of 6 PM likely served as a preparatory sketch or painting to explore the pose, drapery, and expression of the figure representing this specific hour. Abbey was known for his attention to detail and his use of live models to achieve lifelike and dynamic representations in his work. These studies were essential in ensuring the final mural would meet his high standards of artistic quality and thematic coherence.
The completed mural, The Hours, is part of the larger decorative scheme in the Capitol, which includes other murals and artworks by Abbey. These works collectively celebrate Pennsylvania's history, governance, and cultural heritage. Abbey's contributions to the Capitol are widely regarded as masterpieces of American mural art, reflecting the Beaux-Arts style popular at the time.
Unfortunately, specific details about the Study of Figure of 6 PM, such as its current location or whether it was exhibited separately, are not readily available. However, it remains an example of Abbey's dedication to his craft and his role in the broader artistic movement of the early 20th century that sought to integrate fine art into public spaces.
