Ejnar Hansen: California Mural Study

Ejnar Hansen: California Mural Study, "Message of Joy" oil on board, 1937. 24 x 60. Panorama of California Dream. Repeating the layout of his "Family At Dinner" mural study, and therefore its companion, this one is more mysteriously allegorical, a golden youth, literally shining with promise, is holding a book: he looks about ready to embark on a journey. The young female figures (sisters?) are reluctant to let him go, while an old couple sit under the shade of a tree, downcast. Other couples, young, one courting, and the other new parents are in the sunshine. A very strong picture, mythic in quality.