DOI issue:
Nr. 226 (December 1915)
DOI article:Kay, C. de: Murals at Madison, Wisconsin-four historical paintings by Albert Herter for the Supreme Court
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43460#0126
Mur ci Is at Madison, Wisconsin
was involved in a case for slander, or for some
violence committed. The legend or story runs
that Scutarius, such is the name given him by
one Roman historian, came to the autocrat and
said: “I fought for you, and you must fight for
me.” Augustus Caesar acknowledged the obli-
gation, and caused himself to be carried in his
litter to the basilica where he claimed the cen-
turion Scutarius as his client, and proposed to
defend him. As Augustus was the religious,
civil, and military head of the world at the time,
it was really rather as judge than as advocate
that he made his appearance.
The painter shows him, beardless and by no
means old, reclining in his litter, with his bearers,
lictors, and other attendants near by, while the
judges are seated along a colonnade behind which
rise the statues of orators. On the right stands
Scutarius in helmet, cuirass and greaves, having
his shield on his arm, while with uplifted arm he
argues his cause. Groups of senators are in the
background. Suetonius does not report that
Scutarius won his case. It was not necessary!
The fourth painting is local in subject and
relates an episode in the early history of Wis-
consin, when the Indians and settlers came to
blows. It is the trial of Chief Oshkosh for the
murder of another Indian not of his tribe. The
place is a large cabin built of wood, with wide
brick fireplace. The judge, whose name was
Doty, sits to the right in a simple wooden chair.
Oshkosh stands opposite with folded arms,
proud bearing and stern face, as he conducts
his own defence. Trappers, voyageurs and In-
dians form the audience. It is recorded that
Oshkosh proved that he acted in accordance
with Indian laws, and won his case; but doubtless
he was no more able to get true and lasting
justice from the whites than did Red Bird and
Black Hawk, who were leaders in the unequal
warfare of natives against settlers. The case,
however, established a precedent in favor of the
spirit rather than the letter of the law.
In these wall pieces, Mr. Herter has shown
what is very necessary to success in mural paint-
ing: willingness and ability to subordinate the
canvas to the architecture. Observe in the
Signing of the Constitution how the columns and
panels of the historic room where the Charter
was signed fall into line with the interior where
the picture is. The simpler architecture on the
canvas contrasts pleasantly with the more elabo-
rate design of the Supreme Court room. Note
again how the more elaborate architecture in the
picture of Roman law suits the same interior.
It is, however, in the management of colours
that Mr. Herter does most to harmonize the
canvases with the hall they embellish. How
often one sees wall-paintings that appear to leap
at you, and constantly proclaim the fact that
the painters of them have never formed a com-
plete union in their mind, a complete solidarity
between the work of art and the place where it
is to remain!
Capitol at Madison, Wisconsin—-Supreme Court Room
THE ROMANTAW
BY ALBERT HERTER
XLVI
was involved in a case for slander, or for some
violence committed. The legend or story runs
that Scutarius, such is the name given him by
one Roman historian, came to the autocrat and
said: “I fought for you, and you must fight for
me.” Augustus Caesar acknowledged the obli-
gation, and caused himself to be carried in his
litter to the basilica where he claimed the cen-
turion Scutarius as his client, and proposed to
defend him. As Augustus was the religious,
civil, and military head of the world at the time,
it was really rather as judge than as advocate
that he made his appearance.
The painter shows him, beardless and by no
means old, reclining in his litter, with his bearers,
lictors, and other attendants near by, while the
judges are seated along a colonnade behind which
rise the statues of orators. On the right stands
Scutarius in helmet, cuirass and greaves, having
his shield on his arm, while with uplifted arm he
argues his cause. Groups of senators are in the
background. Suetonius does not report that
Scutarius won his case. It was not necessary!
The fourth painting is local in subject and
relates an episode in the early history of Wis-
consin, when the Indians and settlers came to
blows. It is the trial of Chief Oshkosh for the
murder of another Indian not of his tribe. The
place is a large cabin built of wood, with wide
brick fireplace. The judge, whose name was
Doty, sits to the right in a simple wooden chair.
Oshkosh stands opposite with folded arms,
proud bearing and stern face, as he conducts
his own defence. Trappers, voyageurs and In-
dians form the audience. It is recorded that
Oshkosh proved that he acted in accordance
with Indian laws, and won his case; but doubtless
he was no more able to get true and lasting
justice from the whites than did Red Bird and
Black Hawk, who were leaders in the unequal
warfare of natives against settlers. The case,
however, established a precedent in favor of the
spirit rather than the letter of the law.
In these wall pieces, Mr. Herter has shown
what is very necessary to success in mural paint-
ing: willingness and ability to subordinate the
canvas to the architecture. Observe in the
Signing of the Constitution how the columns and
panels of the historic room where the Charter
was signed fall into line with the interior where
the picture is. The simpler architecture on the
canvas contrasts pleasantly with the more elabo-
rate design of the Supreme Court room. Note
again how the more elaborate architecture in the
picture of Roman law suits the same interior.
It is, however, in the management of colours
that Mr. Herter does most to harmonize the
canvases with the hall they embellish. How
often one sees wall-paintings that appear to leap
at you, and constantly proclaim the fact that
the painters of them have never formed a com-
plete union in their mind, a complete solidarity
between the work of art and the place where it
is to remain!
Capitol at Madison, Wisconsin—-Supreme Court Room
THE ROMANTAW
BY ALBERT HERTER
XLVI