Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, ‘The Sources of Wealth’
A hand-painted replica of Kenyon Cox’s masterpiece Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, ‘The Sources of Wealth’, 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.
Kenyon Cox's Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, ‘The Sources of Wealth’ is a preparatory work for a mural created by the American artist Kenyon Cox (1856–1919). Cox was a prominent painter, muralist, and art critic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his academic style and his contributions to public art in the United States. This study was part of his design process for a larger mural commissioned for the Union Trust Company Building in Cleveland, Ohio.
The mural, titled The Sources of Wealth, was intended to reflect themes of prosperity, industry, and the economic foundations of society. Cox often employed allegorical figures in his works, drawing inspiration from classical art and Renaissance traditions. His murals typically featured idealized human forms representing abstract concepts, such as agriculture, commerce, or industry, which were common themes in public and institutional art of the period.
The Union Trust Company Building, now known as the Huntington Bank Building, was constructed in 1924 and designed by the architectural firm Walker and Weeks. It was one of Cleveland's most significant financial institutions at the time, and the inclusion of Cox's mural was part of a broader trend of incorporating fine art into public and commercial spaces to convey cultural and civic ideals. Cox's work for the building was part of his broader career focus on creating murals for prominent public and private buildings, including courthouses, libraries, and universities.
The study itself, as a preparatory piece, likely served as a detailed plan for the final mural. Such studies were typically used to refine composition, figure placement, and overall design before executing the full-scale work. While the final mural was completed and installed, the study remains an important artifact that showcases Cox's artistic process and his approach to large-scale mural projects.
Kenyon Cox was a leading figure in the American Renaissance movement, which sought to elevate public art and architecture by drawing on classical ideals. His work, including The Sources of Wealth, reflects the values and aspirations of the era, emphasizing themes of progress, productivity, and the moral underpinnings of economic success.
Further details about the current location or condition of the study or the final mural are not widely documented.
