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Derelicts, Drifting Obstructions by George Harding
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography
Derelicts, Drifting Obstructions
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography

Derelicts, Drifting Obstructions

Artist
Year1938
Classification painting
Medium oil on canvas
Credits New Deal Art Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
  • 31 separate mural panels in the vestibule, elevator lobby, and first and second floor of the rotunda area.  Some are primarily decorative and others illustrate various seafaring and communications activities.  The building was originally called the U.S. Customs House and Appraiser's Stores, Philadelphia.  The murals were executed in tempera and oil on vehisote.  The general subject matter is navigation with relation to the commerce and customs of the Port of Philadelphia.  Mr. Harding uses subject matter as a starting point from which to develop his deep concern with the abstract problems of mural painting.  He conceives of his composition primarily in terms of balance and mass of color, linear design, variety of forms and movement, direction and counter-direction.




    Commissioned by the Section of Fine Arts, U.S. Treasury. There were two contracts, the first with a total cost of $7,876.46 was for 24 murals, tempera on canvas.  This contract was awarded June 11, 1937, and the works were all installed by October 3, 1938.  The second was a group of 7 rectangular panel which were commissioned for $4,890.00. These are located above the wainscotting in the entrance vestibule. The contract was dated June 27, 1935 and the murals were installed April 28, 1937.