Kennedy Department of Justice Building: Kroll Murals – Washington DC

State:
WASHINGTON-DC

Site Type:
Art Works, Murals

New Deal Agencies:
Arts Programs, Treasury Section of Fine Arts (TSFA)

Artist:
Leon Kroll

Quality of Information:
Very Good

Site Survival:
Extant

Description

The New Deal is responsible for a magnificent array of artworks that embellish the Department of Justice building. The Treasury Section of Fine Arts commissioned artists to create 68 murals between 1936 and 1941 for $68,000, or one percent of the building cost.

Leon Kroll painted two very large lunettes, “Justice Triumphant” and “Justice Defeated”, in 1936.

“In Justice Triumphant, two figures symbolize justice: a woman, and a black-robed Judge who is portrayed by Justice Harlan Stone. Justice Defeated represents the tragedy and havoc caused by the absence of justice. The atmosphere is dark, with dead trees, a threatening sky, and a barren landscape. Here, justice is symbolized by the woman: she has been over­ whelmed by the black-robed figure. The figure holds a mask with a serene ex­ pression, but behind that mask, we can see his true face, which is cold, cruel and vicious.” (GSA)

Kroll’s murals are located in the Attorney General’s conference room.

Source notes

Site originally submitted by New Deal Art Registry on December 30, 2014.
Additional contributions by Richard A Walker.

Site Details

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