Picture Writing mural in Evolution of the Book series 1896

This mural, titled "Picture Writing," is part of John White Alexander’s "Evolution of the Book" series, created in 1896. The artwork depicts a Native American man, seated on a hide, carving symbols into the surface, while a woman reclines nearby observing. This mural highlights a pivotal moment in the development of writing, showcasing the evolution of communication through the use of pictographs, a key stage in the progression of literacy. The mural's composition, with its warm tones and naturalistic setting, conveys a sense of both the simplicity and the importance of this ancient form of communication.