TitleWisconsin Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin
Architect
George Brown Post
(1837 - 1913)
Date1906
MediumInk, wash and graphite on paper
DimensionsSheet size: 24 3/4 × 42 in.
Mat size: 30 1/4 × 46 7/8 in.
SignedRECTO: Signed at lower left: "Geo. B. Post June 1906"
SubmissionNA diploma presentation
Credit LineNational Academy of Design, New York, NY
Object number39-A
Label TextUpon receiving his degree from New York University in Civil Engineering, Post entered the architectural atelier of Richard Morris Hunt, who remained an inspirational figure for him throughout his life. Over the course of Post's illustrious career he designed skyscrapers, hospitals, banks, universities and other institutional buildings. His first major building was the Williamsburg Savings Bank in Brooklyn, New York (1870). In 1906, Post won the competition for the Wisconsin State Capitol. The plan included a domed central section with four wings. Post's design was beautiful and practical (including a large amount of office space). Post was also involved in the interior decoration of this building. The themes utilized for the decoration centered on Wisconsin and the state government. Edwin Blashfield was commissioned to paint murals in the dome of the building and in the assembly chamber. Karl Bitter created sculpture for the pediments on the east and west wings, as well as pedestal sculpture groups. Kenyon Cox painted a mural for the Senate Chamber and created mosaics for areas of the dome. The north and south pediments featured sculpture by Attilio Piccirlli and Adolph Weinman. The Gilded bronze of Wisconsin on top of the dome is by Daniel French. The building was constructed, one section at a time, from 1906-1917. After Post died in 1913, his sons completed the project.
