Diego Rivera Working on the "Detroit Industry" Fresco Cycle at Detroit Institute of Arts, 1932

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.