Painting
Object number2010.39.53
Artist
Erwin Schofer
(died 1955)
Mediumpaint; plaster; board; paper
Credit LineTransfer from Steel Industry Heritage Corporation
DescriptionRectangular painting on paper attached to board. Framed in green paint with raised plaster filigree, painted green and accented in gold. Multicolored scene depicts a crowd of peasant people--some carrying tools, some carrying red flags--paying homage to woman in long toga holding a torch in proper right hand and green fanned plant in other hand. Behind her is a stage with a riser: set on the riser is a large pot with fire lit inside; flowers adorn riser.Dimensions29.375 x 17.75 in. (74.6 x 45.1 cm)InscriptionsPainted on one red flag in yellow: "FREIHE... / RECH..."
Historical Notes"Der Freiheits Freund" was a German-language newspaper printed in Pittsburgh from 1859-1942. Part of a collection related to the Schofer family of Mt. Washington. Carl Schofer, who emigrated from Germany in the mid-1800s, was a highly skilled fresco artist. After buying a house on Mount Washington, he taught his son, Erwin, the business. When Carl died, Erwin inherited the family business. Due to the Great Depression and Erwin’s struggles with alcoholism he lost the business. During the Works Progress Administration (WPA) he was hired as the lead painting contractor for the county. Later in life he taught art at the Connelly Skill Learning Center. He died in 1955.
Related institution
Der Freiheits-Freund
Related institution
Works Progress Administration
Related institution
Connelly Skill Learning Center
On View
Not on view
L.E. Smith Glass Company
1960
1956
