Study for the figure of The Genius of Pennsylvania in ‘The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania,’ mural for the state capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1902-1911 

This is a study for the figure of “The Genius of Pennsylvania,” a figure that appears in Edwin Austin Abbey's monumental mural *The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania,* completed in 1911 for the state capitol building in Harrisburg. The study depicts the figure seated, nude, with a thoughtful and contemplative expression. The artist’s use of soft brushstrokes and muted tones creates a sense of naturalism and emphasizes the figure’s delicate beauty. This preliminary sketch reveals Abbey's meticulous process and his dedication to creating a powerful and iconic representation of the state's spirit.