This Painting Was at the Center of a Communist Controversy. Here's Why

This is American Progress by Jose Maria Sert. It's one of the most spectacular murals in the United States, covering the walls of the Rockefeller Center in New York City. And in the context of murals, it's amazing, and a testament to the ideals of its day that birthed it. But wait...is that Lenin? We see Abraham Lincoln, Walt Whitman, and the personified Titans of "Progress" struggling to create the American Dream. This painting was immersed, quite literally, in one of the biggest art controversies of its day. 00:00 American Progress by Sert 00:38 Impressive Location 00:57 Ancient Symbolism 02:19 Art Deco and its Era of Progress 02:53 Controversial History 03:27 Diego Rivera and the Disappearing Painting 05:00 A Fresh Start for an Impressive Venue 06:40 Another View of Progress? #art #artlife #artdeco #greatart ~~~ Welcome to Art Truth! Where we explore the wonder, the delight, and the fascination that is art. You'll find great art explained from Renaissance to Art Deco, and from before the Common Era to expressionism and beyond. Prepare to immerse yourself in a beautiful experience of art, while at the same time learning surprising tidbits from history. May your life be artful!