The Moral and Divine Law: Moses Receives the Law on Mount Sinai; Color Study for Mural, Supreme Court Room, Minnesota State Capitol, Saint Paul

La Farge employs a layered approach, beginning with graphite sketches that define the forms, followed by watercolor washes for atmospheric depth, and finishing with gouache mixed with gum arabic to achieve richer, more saturated tones. The palette, bright yet harmonious, reflects post‑Impressionist concerns with color modulation and structural harmony, while the decorative quality hints at his experience in stained‑glass design.

Created as a color study for the Capitol mural, the paper work remained in the artist’s studio before being acquired by the American Wing of the museum’s collection. Its provenance traces directly to the Minnesota State Capitol project, where the final mural was installed, confirming its role as an intermediate step in a public commission.

At the turn of the twentieth century, American civic architecture often incorporated allegorical art to convey moral and legal ideals. La Farge’s study fits within this movement, aligning with other governmental commissions that used biblical narratives to underscore the principles of law and justice.

Although the study itself is a preparatory piece, it illustrates La Farge’s interdisciplinary practice, bridging illustration, mural design, and decorative arts. The work continues to inform scholars of his methodological approach to large‑scale public art and his contribution to the visual language of American civic spaces.