Early study for figure of Genius of State, in ‘Apotheosis of Pennsylvania,’ mural at the state capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1982

Edwin Austin Abbey created this study for the figure of the Genius of State in the Apotheosis of Pennsylvania mural using charcoal and white chalk on brown paper. The composition immediately draws the eye to the figure’s centered pose, which embodies a traditional and academic approach to form. Observe how the figure is rendered with careful attention to light and shadow, a classical technique known as chiaroscuro. The whiteness of the chalk models the Genius' form against the brown paper, giving it a sculptural quality. However, this study transcends mere academic exercise. Abbey uses the classical form to represent modern civic values, a tension that adds layers of meaning. The figure is both a symbol of timeless ideals and a specific representation of Pennsylvania’s aspirations. Consider how Abbey uses scale and proportion to convey authority and grace. The strategic use of light and shadow not only defines form but also communicates a sense of ethereal power. In this way, the artwork serves as a cultural artifact, embodying the intersection of classical ideals and modern state identity.