Art: Mr. Stokes and the WPA

Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes, architect, iconographer, president of New York City's Art Commission, member of the New York Public Library Board, is as long, as ascetic, as elegantly bearded as an El Greco cardinal. One day in 1934 his long face lengthened further when he came upon an artist in the Public Library earnestly measuring certain unfilled panels on the third floor. The artist told him that the Public Works Art Project would like to fill these spaces with some murals. Mr. Stokes said pessimistically that he would speak to the board....

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!