Study for figure of 12 noon 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 12 noon 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 12 Noon for ‘The Hours’ Ceiling is a preparatory work created by the American artist as part of his commission to decorate the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. Abbey, a prominent muralist and illustrator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was tasked with creating a series of allegorical paintings for the Capitol's interior, including the ceiling of the main rotunda. This particular study was part of his design process for the mural titled The Hours, which adorns the ceiling of the building.
The mural The Hours is a symbolic representation of the passage of time, depicted through a series of allegorical female figures representing different times of the day. The figure of "12 Noon" is one of these personifications, embodying the zenith of the day. Abbey's study for this figure demonstrates his meticulous approach to composition, anatomy, and the use of light and shadow. The preparatory work likely served as a guide for the final mural, allowing Abbey to refine his vision before executing the large-scale painting.
Abbey's commission for the Pennsylvania State Capitol was part of a broader effort to incorporate fine art into public buildings during the American Renaissance, a period that emphasized the integration of art, architecture, and civic pride. His work in the Capitol is widely regarded as a masterpiece of mural painting, showcasing his skill in creating complex allegorical imagery.
The Study for Figure of 12 Noon reflects Abbey's academic training and his ability to blend classical influences with a distinctly American sensibility. While the study itself is not as widely known as the completed mural, it provides valuable insight into Abbey's artistic process and his contribution to the decorative arts in the United States.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol, completed in 1906, remains a significant architectural and artistic landmark, with Abbey's murals playing a key role in its aesthetic and cultural significance. Abbey's work in the Capitol, including The Hours, continues to be celebrated for its technical excellence and its embodiment of the ideals of the American Renaissance.
