“Panel 14. The Machine – The Epic of American Civilization,” is a work created by artist Jose Clemente Orozco between 1932 and 1934. This mural is part of the Dartmouth College Cycle, and it belongs to the Muralism movement, a genre of art that focuses on paintings executed directly on walls or ceilings. The artwork falls under the genres of history painting and symbolic painting, reflecting complex and often profound themes.
The artwork captures a densely packed scene filled with intricate machinery and mechanical components. At its core, the image depicts an industrial setting crowded with metallic parts, gears, and structural elements. The predominance of grey, silver, and black hues evoke a somber and formidable atmosphere. Interspersed throughout the composition are touches of red and brown, which provide contrast and highlight certain features of the machinery. The overall appearance conveys a sense of the power and relentless nature of industrialization, hinting at both its productive capabilities and its dehumanizing effects. This mural is part of a larger series, “The Epic of American Civilization,” which explores the historical, social, and cultural evolution of America.
