Tenement(Mural Study, Department of

Justice Building, Washington, D.C.

By: Staci Ouch

Artist Biography

George Biddle was born on January 24, 1885 in Philadelphia. He came from an established family and attended the elite Groton school (where he was a classmate of Franklin D. Roosevelt).

He earned a law degree in 1911. His law career was very short because he left the United States to study at the Academie Julian in Paris at the end of 1911.

Artist Biography

He traveled around Europe learning many different styles of art. He even went to Mexico where he painted with Diego Rivera. In 1917, Biddle enlisted in the United States' army to fight in World War I.

In the 1930s, Biddle became a champion of social art and strongly supported government funding for artistic creations.

In 1935, he completed a mural titled Tenement for the Justice Department building in Washington, D.C.

Artist Biography

During World War II, Biddle was appointed chairman of the U.S. Department of War's Art Advisory Committee and served to recruit artists.

He traveled to many places with the 3rd Infantry Division and produced works documenting that unit's activities.

George Biddle died on November 6, 1973 in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

Visual Analysis

This work of art was made by using tempera on fiberboard.

The artist uses dark and dull colors to emphasize the dismal situations that the people live in.

The facial expressions on many people's faces are negative and express hopelessness, sadness, and depression.

Historical Context

At the time when Tenement was being painted, America was suffering in the Great Depression.

The mural that Biddle painted shows the mood and situations that the people had during the Great Depression.

As shown in this mural, people of all ages and creed were affected and many had to work very hard to survive.

Significance

This mural is significant because it shows the public the conditions that people faced during the Great Depression.

The cramped living spaces, dismal facial expressions and negative mood are effective tools for Biddle's ideas of social emancipation.