Murals that tell Stories: The History of California

Painted by artist Arthur F Mathews and presented in triptychs. Visit each period of California's past through these historical murals >>...
Murals at the California State Capitol
History of California-- Murals at the California State Capitol

California State Capitol, Sacramento

Have you visited the California State Capitol in Sacramento? It’s a great opportunity to see where the Golden State conducts its business, learn a little more about the state’s history and lay eyes on a large collection of exhibits that have played a part in California’s story. And then there’s the History of California — the murals at the State Capitol.

The History of California at the State Capitol

We were at the State Capitol a few years back and it was at the very end of our self-guided tour that we happened upon these murals. They were in a space dedicated to them and I felt they had to have a post of their own. So here they are! I’m taking you to the basement of the rotunda at the California State Capitol to see the murals that tell the story of California.

Titled History of California, these murals date back to 1913 when they were commissioned to well-known artist Arthur F Mathews. This artist from San Francisco went on to present the state’s history in the form of triptychs. There are four of them (a total of 12 panels) in this hall of murals, and each set portrays a different period of California’s History.

The first three panels are said to depict the arrival of white people. The next set talks of the Spanish occupation and the missions era. The triptych that follows that, deals with the discovery of gold and the influx of prospectors — another period that shaped the story of California. The last set of murals is dedicated to urbanization and the development that came about with the Gold Rush and beyond.

As for the style of art you see here, the official site says, ‘they are an example of a regional artistic style known as California Decorative’ — a combination of ‘romantic classicism and idealism with a Renaissance color palette and California imagery.’

Where to find these murals at the California State Capitol

If you’d like to see these murals when you are in Sacramento or inside the California State Capitol itself, look for them in the basement where the gift shop and dining rooms are. It’s a circular space with a statue of Ronald Reagan (CA’s 33rd Governor, may I remind you) in the centre of the room.

More about the tour of the Capitol —
The Golden State’s Seat of Power

Here is a collection of the smaller stories that make the big picture of The History of California:

Linking to —
Monday Mural on Colourful World
More —
Murals on TftT

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Art and ArchitectureCaliforniaCulture

Dee (Divya): Blogger, Freelance Content Writer & Content Strategist. | 📸 Loves tripping.🛣 Tipsy from every TRIP!😬🫣 | 🏞Follow > for intoxicating virtual trips!🥂😉
12 Comments on this post.
  • Sami
    3 March 2024 at 11:02 pm
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    Great historical murals Dee. Thanks for participating in Monday Murals.

    • dNambiar
      4 March 2024 at 2:32 pm
      Leave a Reply

      Thank you for hosting, Sami.
      Have a great week! 🙂

  • Veronica Lee
    4 March 2024 at 2:30 am
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    I enjoyed this incredible exploration of California’s rich history through the captivating murals, Dee.

    Happy Monday!

    • dNambiar
      4 March 2024 at 2:33 pm
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      Thank you, Veronica.
      Have a superb week ahead!

  • tomthebackroadstraveller
    4 March 2024 at 3:13 pm
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    …these murals look similar to the Post Office, Works Progress Administration murals that were painted in 1935-1938 that employed artist during the Great depression. Thanks Dee for sharing them, have a wonderful week.

    • dNambiar
      4 March 2024 at 8:14 pm
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      … maybe because they are historical murals painted in a certain period …?
      I’d like to go see more works of this particular artist. I’m quite sure I’ll find some around here.
      (And I’ll surely share them, here. :D)
      Thank ‘you’ for coming this way, Tom.
      You too — have a wonderful week! 🙂

  • magiceye
    4 March 2024 at 5:33 pm
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    Interesting art beautifully preserved for posterity.

    • dNambiar
      4 March 2024 at 8:15 pm
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      Oh yes! Definitely for posterity. It’s perfect that they’re in the State Capitol and will be taken care of.
      History in art. 🙂

  • rupam { xhobdo }
    5 March 2024 at 5:44 am
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    Looks amazing

    • dNambiar
      11 March 2024 at 5:29 pm
      Leave a Reply

      There was quite a lot to see there. 🙂
      Thank you for coming this way, Rupam.

  • Photo Cache
    10 March 2024 at 7:50 pm
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    I have never been inside the capitol building. Perhaps I could remedy that this year. Thanks for the tip.

    • dNambiar
      11 March 2024 at 5:30 pm
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      It’s an easy trip for us. And you’ll find it interesting, M. 🙂

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