ABOUT THE ARTIST

Will Hicok Low (1853-1932) was born in Albany, New York. In his youth, Low supported himself as an illustrator for local newspapers and magazines. At age twenty, he attended the renowned École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and studied under Jean-Léon Gérôme, one of the most important painters from the style known as Academicism. Gérôme inspired Low to incorporate Greek mythology and history in his paintings.

After returning to America, Low turned his attention to decoration to many prominent commissions including ceiling murals and decorations for the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Low's Albany roots and experience as a muralist made him a natural choice for the commission. He completed the Rotunda murals from 1913-1918 at his private studio in Bronxville, New York.