
Study for figure of 11 am for ‘The Hours’ ceiling at the state capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
A hand-painted replica of Edwin Austin Abbey’s masterpiece Study for figure of 11 am for ‘The Hours’ ceiling 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's Study for Figure of 11 AM for ‘The Hours’ Ceiling is a preparatory work created as part of the artist's commission to decorate the ceiling of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. Abbey, an American painter and illustrator renowned for his murals and historical themes, was tasked with creating a series of allegorical paintings for the Capitol's interior. His work on the ceiling, titled The Hours, represents the passage of time through a sequence of personified figures symbolizing different hours of the day.
The study for "11 AM" is one of the preparatory sketches Abbey created to refine his vision for the final mural. It reflects his meticulous process of planning and designing each figure to fit harmoniously within the larger composition. The figure of "11 AM" is depicted with a sense of vitality and purpose, embodying the energy and productivity associated with the late morning hours. Abbey's use of classical allegory and his attention to detail are evident in the study, which showcases his skill in rendering the human form and drapery.
The ceiling mural The Hours was completed in 1908 and remains one of Abbey's most celebrated works. It is located in the Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol, a building widely regarded for its architectural and artistic significance. Abbey's contributions to the Capitol's decoration, including The Hours, are considered masterpieces of American mural painting from the early 20th century.
Abbey's work on the Capitol was cut short due to his untimely death in 1911. However, his legacy endures through the murals and preparatory studies he left behind, which continue to be admired for their artistic and historical value. The Study for Figure of 11 AM serves as a testament to Abbey's dedication to his craft and his ability to convey complex allegorical themes through art.