Information
Art Type
Media / Materials
Collection
Year Completed
1905
Credit
Courtesy State of Iowa
Location
Latitude & Longitude
41.591531, -93.603746
Location Description
On the east wall over the interior staircase between the first and second floors of the Iowa State Capitol
Westward
Extending the full width of the east wall over the staircase is the great mural painting, “Westward,” an idealized representation depicts early pioneers traveling through Iowa. Pioneers are led across the West by Spirits of Enlightenment, symbolized by the air-borne female holding an open book, and Civilization, symbolized by similar figures sowing grain. The Spirits of Stream and Electricity, holding a steam engine and electric generator, respectively, follow the prairie schooner.
The concept design for “Westward,” 1905 is in the collection of Des Moines Art Center.