The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 14, 2025

Mural Study for Cancer

1948

Clarence Van Duzer

(American, 1920–2009)
America, Ohio, Cleveland
tempera on panel
Unframed: 33 x 74.3 cm (13 x 29 1/4 in.)
Gift of Kathy Lynn Van Duzer and Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2011.5
Location: Not on view

Description

Mural Study for Cancer teems with more than 50 figures, including a patient undergoing surface brachytherapy, whereby radiation is applied to the exterior of the body with tongs. Hovering overhead in the center of the composition is a red circular form with flamelike tendrils, likely a schematic rendering of a tumor. The painting was created shortly after the artist traveled to study contemporary murals in Mexico, which had a profound influence on his work.
  • The artist; Clarence E. Van Duzer Foundation, Strongsville, Ohio
  • "Collections. Personal Favorite.” Cleveland Art: Cleveland Museum of Art Members Magazine 55, no. 3 (May/June 2015): 13. Reproduced and Mentioned: p. 13 archive.org
  • The Van Duzer Perspective, Convivium 33 Gallery, Cleveland, September 9-October 15, 2006.
  • {{cite web|title=Mural Study for Cancer|url=false|author=Clarence Van Duzer|year=1948|access-date=14 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2011.5