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Compass by George Harding
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography
Compass
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography

Compass

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.