Physics
Physics
Image by Boston Public Library
File name: Physics
Title: Physics
Creator/Contributor: Puvis de Chavannes, Pierre, 1824-1898 (artist); Boston Public Library (sponsor); Lanzel, Sheryl (photographer)
Genre: Paintings; Murals
Date created: 1893-1896 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 painting : mural, oil on canvas ; visible image 14 x 7 feet
Physical description notes: Canvases completed in Puvis’ studio in Paris and shipped over to Boston for installation in 1895-96. Canvas applied to the walls of the grand staircase gallery using an adhesive technique called marouflage. The artist used encaustic wax in the painting process to make the surface appear matte and more fresco-like.
Summary/Abstract: Two figures pass along telegraph wires, representing one of the latest technological advancements of the late 19th century. The white-robed figure above bears good news, while the gray-clad figure below bears bad news, her hand clasped to her distraught face. At lower left, a telegraph pole is depicted, while at upper right, a thin bolt of lightning acknowledges the presence of electricity.
General notes: Title from Description of the Decorative Paintings by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes.
Date notes: On May 25, 1893, the Trustees of the BPL contracted Pierre Puvis de Chavannes for mural work completed between 1893 and 1896. As the aging artist was reluctant to travel to Boston, he painted the panels on canvas in his Neuilly studio in France. The panels were then shipped over to the library; installation was completed in 1896.
Subjects: Physics; Telegraph lines
Collection: Mural Cycles at the Central Library, Copley Square
Location: Chavannes Gallery Murals: The Muses of Inspiration Hail the Spirit, the Messenger of Light
Rights: Copyright (c) Sheryl Lanzel

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