Thomas Gilbert White (1877-1939) American, Monumental Oil on Canvas "Art and Agriculture". "Art and Agriculture" study for the mural in the Department of Agriculture building in Washington, DC.

Writing on reverse "Gilbert White study for his mural - art and agriculture. Washington D.C. Dept of Agriculture. Madeleine White"

Provenance: Acquired from the artist's estate, signed by his 3rd wife. 

Overall Size: 48 1/4 x 84 1/4 in.
Sight Size: 20 1/2 x 76 1/2 in.

Thomas Gilbert White was an American painter, now best remembered for his murals. He was born in Michigan, died in Paris, studied with James McNeil Whistler. White's murals decorate many state and federal buildings in the U.S. Early in 1934 he was the center of controversy of the 40 foot panel he did for the Dept. of Agriculture. The assistant secretary of agriculture at the time criticized the mural as too classical, but the painting was finally accepted. It showed a group of four allegorical figures around a large oak tree. Critics expressed a belief it should have included artistic references to AAA crop control and modern agricultural machinery. The mural previously had been displayed in Paris and won praise from French and American experts.

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