"Detroit Industry" Fresco Cycle in Progress, 1932

Summary

In 1932, the Detroit Institute of Arts commissioned Mexican artist Diego Rivera to paint murals depicting the city's industrial activities. Rivera spent eight months creating 27 frescoes in the institute's interior courtyard. Much of Detroit Industry was inspired by Ford Motor Company's Rouge plant, but the murals also portrayed Detroit's medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Edsel Ford sponsored Rivera's work.

In 1932, the Detroit Institute of Arts commissioned Mexican artist Diego Rivera to paint murals depicting the city's industrial activities. Rivera spent eight months creating 27 frescoes in the institute's interior courtyard. Much of Detroit Industry was inspired by Ford Motor Company's Rouge plant, but the murals also portrayed Detroit's medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Edsel Ford sponsored Rivera's work.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

02 August 1932

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2002.0.34.10

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 13.875 in

Width: 10.875 in

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