Trinity Church, Boston (nave) - Mural Study 1876

This mural study of the nave of Trinity Church in Boston was made in 1876 by John La Farge, using graphite and gray wash on paper. This work gives insight into the construction of the church and the design considerations of the time. La Farge's quick strokes capture the ornate architectural details, from the arches to the column capitals, and the mural in progress. The medium of graphite and wash allows us to see the development of the artist’s vision, with lines sketched and then filled with tonal depth. The mural, featuring what appear to be seated figures, suggests a narrative or symbolic component integral to the church's design. La Farge was tasked with integrating artwork into the architectural structure. The paper it is drawn on also becomes an integral part of the piece, embodying the first stages of the design process. Examining the work through the lens of materiality and making allows us to appreciate the skilled labor and intentional design that shaped Trinity Church, Boston.