Completed in 1945 by muralist Henry Herman Wessel (1878-1969).

Wessel was commissioned to paint the mural in the back of the lunchroom with "idealistic representations, including Western Hills High School and persons representing different vocations". A permanent memorial to commemorate the servicemen from the school who made the supreme sacrifice during the second World War.

At some point in the past a section of the mural was removed and is lost. Perhaps that vocation was that of being a thief?

Part of an article-in-progress about the Art League of Cincinnati. Inspired by Robert Flischel's wonderful book, "An Expression of the Community".

The Art League began in 1903. Much of the artwork in the Cincinnati Public Schools was purchased through the Art League with pennies collected from schoolchildren. In recent years it has been rejuvenated and is dedicated to documenting, protecting, preserving and enhancing all of the artwork.

Lovingly remastered and printed for this First Edition release by Alexander Vertikoff.

Limited, five print first edition. 21.75” x 6.75” image centered on 23.3125” x 8.25” Hahnemüle Photo Rag Baryta, 315 gsm, archival paper using pigmented UltraChrome K3 inks from Epson.

This print and authentication form are each certified through a hologram carrying a unique Vertikoff Archive print number, and are signed and numbered on the back.

The copyright/credit line visible within the images above is only visible on the images used on the internet, not the final prints.