
Study for figure of 9 am in “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 9 am in “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 9 AM in “The Hours” Ceiling is a preparatory work for a larger mural located in the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. Abbey, an American artist renowned for his murals and illustrations, was commissioned in the early 20th century to create a series of artworks for the Capitol's interior. Among these works is the ceiling mural titled The Hours, which depicts the passage of time through allegorical figures representing different hours of the day.
The study for the figure of 9 AM is one of several preparatory sketches Abbey created to plan the composition and details of the mural. These studies allowed him to refine the poses, drapery, and overall design of the figures before executing the final work on the Capitol ceiling. The figure of 9 AM, like the other hours in the mural, is represented as a personification, embodying the characteristics and mood associated with that particular time of day. Abbey's preparatory studies often demonstrate his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey emotion and symbolism through the human form.
The ceiling mural The Hours is part of a larger decorative scheme in the Capitol, which includes other murals and artworks by Abbey. His contributions to the building are celebrated for their artistic quality and their role in enhancing the grandeur of the space. Abbey's work in the Pennsylvania State Capitol is considered one of his most significant achievements and a notable example of American mural painting from the period.
The study for the figure of 9 AM, like other preparatory works by Abbey, provides insight into his creative process and the techniques he employed to bring his vision to life. These studies are valued not only as works of art in their own right but also as historical documents that shed light on the development of one of the Capitol's most iconic features.