There is
a frank and unaffected realism in the work that attracts by its
uncapitulating sincerity. Its impression of rugged power and
self-respect saves it from becoming merely photographic, and its plastic
feeling is excellent. In this and the preceding group, as also in the
keystone figure and the tympanum, the courageous employment of the
actual commonplace garments of everyday labor instead of idealized
draperies has met success. The tympanum group is called "Varied
Industries." It appreciates the various daily labors of mankind through
which civilization continues and is almost devotional in its expression
- "in the handicraft of their work is their prayer."
The Useful Arts
Frieze Over South Portals
Another artist who appreciates the spirit and enterprise of our own day
and finds inspiration in its humble labors is Mahonri Young. This
feeling appears in much of his work and is notable in the panel of
"Useful Arts," as also in the niche figures that flank it and are really
part of the conception. These appear over the handsome portal arch of
the Liberal Arts Palace. The beautiful grouping of the many figures in
the panel is a delight; the planes of perspective are skillfully
handled, without in the least marring the flat surface requisite in a
mural panel. This panel of "Useful Arts" does honor to skilled labor.
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