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Aerodynamics
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Aerodynamics

Artist
Year1941
Classification painting
Medium oil on canvas
Dimensions16' x 16'
Credits Commissioned through the Section of Fine Arts, 1934 - 1943
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location


  • The Treasury Department Section of Fine Arts commissioned this painting and its compliment, Spanish and American Ranchos, under the Work Progress Administration for the Los Angeles Post Office and Courthouse. Aerodynamics symbolizes the age of flying by four large birds.  These "aerodynamic" birds fill the center of the great circle inscribed in a square and divided by four rays of light coming out of four points of an octagonal star.  In the four corners of the square are motifs related to aviation that were inspired by birds of flight.  Written within the great circle is the last stanza of the poem To A Waterfowl by William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878).