Design for United States Currency

1912

Kenyon Cox

(American, 1856–1919)

Culture

America

Medium

graphite

Support

Cream(3) laid paper (discolored to yellow-cream)

Measurements

Image: 15.9 x 37.8 cm (6 1/4 x 14 7/8 in.); Sheet: 30.3 x 50.8 cm (11 15/16 x 20 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of J. D. Cox 1916.1069

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Location

Not on view

Description

The painter and muralist Kenyon Cox viewed himself as the heir to the great traditions of the Italian Renaissance and vigorously led the resistance to all forms of modern painting. This design for U. S. currency, which was rejected by the government, shows the care with which he planned his compositions. Cox's son, Allyn, who also became a successful mural painter, posed for the male figure. Cox's brother, J. D. Cox, a prominent civic leader in Cleveland, played an active role in the formation of the Cleveland Museum of Art. He gave the museum the three works by his brother that are in this exhibition.