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The Virtues of Good Government by Dorothea Rockburne
Photo CreditGSA\Liz Mees
The Virtues of Good Government
Photo CreditGSA\Liz Mees

The Virtues of Good Government

Artist
Year1996
Classification painting
Medium fresco secco
Dimensions54 x 1260 in. (137.2 x 3200.4 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
  • Wrapping around three walls of the new courtroom in the Edward T. Gignoux U.S. Courthouse, Dorothea Rockburne's painting, "The Virtues of Good Government," appears
    on the frieze-like area just below the skylight. Measuring 4 1/2 feet by 105 feet, the fresco secco (dry fresco) features images inspired by Italian painter Ambrogio Lorenzetti's mural of the same title, "The Virtues of Good Government." Commissioned during the 14th century, this earlier painting appears in the Sala dei Nuove of the Palazzo Publico in Siena, Italy.




    Though similar in theme, Mr. Lorenzetti and Ms. Rockburne's murals differ in important ways. Whereas the Lorenzetti painting tells a story in narrative form through text and
    representational figures, the Rockburne painting seeks to evoke a response rather than illustrate a conclusion. The abstract geometric shapes, symmetry, and vibrant colors quietly infuse the courtroom with a sublime sense of equanimity, harmony, and order.




    In the Italian painting, for instance, Mr. Lorenzetti symbolizes the "Common Good" with the image of a stately figure magnanimously accepting taxes from the citizens of Siena. In contrast, Ms. Rockburne abstracts the presentation. Inspired by the circular shield of Mr. Lorenzetti's central protagonist, Ms. Rockburne uses a large blue orb to suggest the presence of a judicious, watchful eye overseeing the courtroom's activities. Flanking this orb are a green square representing Hope and a purple rectangle representing Faith. Next to Faith, a perfectly balanced red and white diamond suggests Prudence, while a magenta and yellow trapezoid refers to Magnanimity and recalls the flag of Siena