Portrait of Kenyon Cox

Your Guide to the 76 Most Famous Kenyon Cox Paintings

Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 76 works by Kenyon Cox in our catalogue

In short

Kenyon Cox's best-known piece is The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) (1906). You'll find it at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.. Next on the list are Landscape at Grez (1879) and Henry L. Fry (1883). We have 76 works by Kenyon Cox in our catalogue; this guide picks out the 76 best known, with the year, the museum and the story of each piece.

1856 – 1919, Warren Contemporary realism Most works: Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) (1906) by Kenyon Cox1. The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) 1906 Landscape at Grez (1879) by Kenyon Cox2. Landscape at Grez 1879 Henry L. Fry (1883) by Kenyon Cox3. Henry L. Fry 1883

The 10 Kenyon Cox paintings to know first

Numbers 11 to 76: more Kenyon Cox paintings

11Christ (1905) by Kenyon CoxChrist1905 · Cleveland Museum of Art 12(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel) (1905) by Kenyon Cox(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel)1905 13(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel) (1905) by Kenyon Cox(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel)1905 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 14Maxfield Parrish (1905) by Kenyon CoxMaxfield Parrish1905 15Tradition (1916) by Kenyon CoxTradition1916 · Cleveland Museum of Art 16The Education of Cupid (1917) by Kenyon CoxThe Education of Cupid1917 17Sketch for the Mural at Oberlin College, The Spirit of Self Sacrificing Love (1914) by Kenyon CoxSketch for the Mural at Oberlin College, The Spirit of Self Sacrificing Love1914 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 18Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1908) by Kenyon CoxAugustus Saint-Gaudens1908 · Metropolitan Museum of Art 19(Study for Labor ) (1870) by Kenyon Cox(Study for Labor )1870 20Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 21(Untitled) (Greco Roman Discus Thrower) (1873) by Kenyon Cox(Untitled) (Greco Roman Discus Thrower)1873 22(Untitled) (Study of Standing Male Nude) (1876) by Kenyon Cox(Untitled) (Study of Standing Male Nude)1876 23(Untitled) (Studies of Male Nudes) (1876) by Kenyon Cox(Untitled) (Studies of Male Nudes)1876 24Flying Shadows (1883) by Kenyon CoxFlying Shadows1883 25Landscape (1883) by Kenyon CoxLandscape1883 · Metropolitan Museum of Art 26A Lady in Black (1880) by Kenyon CoxA Lady in Black1880 27Flying Shadows (1883) by Kenyon CoxFlying Shadows1883 · National Gallery of Art 28A Lady in Black (1880) by Kenyon CoxA Lady in Black1880 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 29Study for Evening (1883) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Evening1883 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 30After Titian's Madonna of the Rabbit (1882) by Kenyon CoxAfter Titian's Madonna of the Rabbit1882 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 31After Boltraffio, Sacra Conversazione (1882) by Kenyon CoxAfter Boltraffio, Sacra Conversazione1882 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 32May (1890) by Kenyon CoxMay1890 33Indian Summer (1887) by Kenyon CoxIndian Summer1887 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 34Louise Howland King (Mrs. Kenyon Cox) (1892) by Kenyon CoxLouise Howland King (Mrs. Kenyon Cox)1892 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 35Louise Howland King (Mrs. Kenyon Cox) (1892) by Kenyon CoxLouise Howland King (Mrs. Kenyon Cox)1892 36Study for Drapery of Pursuit of the Ideal (1891) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Drapery of Pursuit of the Ideal1891 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 37Echo (1892) by Kenyon CoxEcho1892 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 38An Eclogue (1890) by Kenyon CoxAn Eclogue1890 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 39Sketches for a Decoration of a Private Library B (1894) by Kenyon CoxSketches for a Decoration of a Private Library B1894 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 40Sketches for the Decoration of a Private Library A (1894) by Kenyon CoxSketches for the Decoration of a Private Library A1894 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 41Portrait of Mr. Wiley (1894) by Kenyon CoxPortrait of Mr. Wiley1894 42Portrait of Mr. Wiley (1894) by Kenyon CoxPortrait of Mr. Wiley1894 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 43Study for Science Instructing Industry (1898) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Science Instructing Industry1898 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 44(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Hunting, study for panel) (1905) by Kenyon Cox(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Hunting, study for panel)1905 45Hope and memory (1900) by Kenyon CoxHope and memory1900 46Untitled, Portrait of a Young Girl (1900) by Kenyon CoxUntitled, Portrait of a Young Girl1900 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 47Study for Mural at Hotel Manhattan, Peace and Plenty (1901) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mural at Hotel Manhattan, Peace and Plenty1901 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 48Untitled, Portrait of a Young Girl (1900) by Kenyon CoxUntitled, Portrait of a Young Girl1900 49Study for mural, Union Trust Company Building, The Sources of Wealth (1903) by Kenyon CoxStudy for mural, Union Trust Company Building, The Sources of Wealth1903 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 50(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (study for Six Lunettes) (1905) by Kenyon Cox(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (study for Six Lunettes)1905 51Study for Christ (1905) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Christ1905 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 52Study for Mural for Appellate Court Building, New York Statute Law , Helmet for Figure of Force (1899) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mural for Appellate Court Building, New York Statute Law , Helmet for Figure of Force1899 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 53Approach of Love by Kenyon CoxApproach of LoveCincinnati Art Museum 54Augustus Saint Gaudens (1908) by Kenyon CoxAugustus Saint Gaudens1908 55Plenty (1910) by Kenyon CoxPlenty1910 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 56The Silver Hand Glass (1907) by Kenyon CoxThe Silver Hand Glass1907 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 57The Progress of Civilization Science and Art (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) (1906) by Kenyon CoxThe Progress of Civilization Science and Art (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa)1906 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 58The Progress of Civilization Hunting, Herding, Agriculture (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) (1906) by Kenyon CoxThe Progress of Civilization Hunting, Herding, Agriculture (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa)1906 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 59Study for Mural at U.S. Custom House, Cleveland, OH, Passing Commerce Pays Tribute to the Port of Cleveland (1909) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mural at U.S. Custom House, Cleveland, OH, Passing Commerce Pays Tribute to the Port of Cleveland1909 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 60Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, Legislation (1913) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, Legislation1913 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 61Book of Pictures (1917) by Kenyon CoxBook of Pictures1917 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 62Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, Justice (1913) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, Justice1913 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 63Study for mosaic in the Wisconsin State Capital Government and Liberty (1912) by Kenyon CoxStudy for mosaic in the Wisconsin State Capital Government and Liberty1912 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 64Sketch for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, Justice (1912) by Kenyon CoxSketch for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capital, Justice1912 · Smithsonian American Art Museum 65Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxNude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 66Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxNude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 67Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxNude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 68Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxNude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 69Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 70Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 71Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxNude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 72Fields (1885) by Kenyon CoxFields1885 73Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxStudy for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 74Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912) by Kenyon CoxNude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art 75Cartoon for mural of Minnesota State Capital, Institute of Justice by Kenyon CoxCartoon for mural of Minnesota State Capital, Institute of JusticeSmithsonian American Art Museum 76Lengthening Shadows (1888) by Kenyon CoxLengthening Shadows1888 · Smithsonian American Art Museum

What Kenyon Cox painted most

The four subjects that come up most often in these pieces, each with its best-known example.

Pencil sketch 5 works

Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #66 Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #67 Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #69 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #70 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art

American art 4 works

(Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel) (1905), Kenyon Cox #12 (Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel) 1905 Maxfield Parrish (1905), Kenyon Cox #14 Maxfield Parrish 1905 Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1908), Kenyon Cox #18 Augustus Saint-Gaudens 1908 · Metropolitan Museum of Art Flying Shadows (1883), Kenyon Cox #24 Flying Shadows 1883

Male figure 3 works

Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #73 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art Maxfield Parrish (1905), Kenyon Cox #14 Maxfield Parrish 1905 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #70 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Mosaic study 3 works

Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #20 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #69 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, (1912), Kenyon Cox #70 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol, 1912 · Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Where you can see Kenyon Cox's paintings

The 7 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Kenyon Cox Paintings from this list
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.Smithsonian American Art Museum Washington, D.C. 34 The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa), Head of the Queen of Egypt, (Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel)
Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma CityOklahoma City Museum of Art Oklahoma City 10 Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,, Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,, Nude Study for Mosaic, Wisconsin State Capitol,
Cincinnati Art Museum, CincinnatiCincinnati Art Museum Cincinnati 4 Landscape at Grez, Henry L. Fry, The Approach of Love
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkMetropolitan Museum of Art New York 3 The Harp Player (A Solo), Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Landscape
Cleveland Museum of Art, ClevelandCleveland Museum of Art Cleveland 2 Christ, Tradition
Chazen Museum of Art, MadisonChazen Museum of Art Madison 1 Diana
National Gallery of Art, WashingtonNational Gallery of Art Washington 1 Flying Shadows

Decade by decade: the best-known Kenyon Cox piece of each

Works per decade

Pick a decade to see its standout piece.

Kenyon Cox: quick answers about the paintings

What is Kenyon Cox's best-known painting?See the answer

Top of the list is The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) (1906), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.. Right behind it: Landscape at Grez (1879) and Henry L. Fry (1883).

What age was Kenyon Cox when creating The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa)?See the answer

50 years old. Kenyon Cox was born in 1856, and The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) dates from 1906.

What are Kenyon Cox's top 10 paintings?See the answer

The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa), Landscape at Grez, Henry L. Fry, The Approach of Love, Diana, The Harp Player (A Solo), The Fall, Head of the Queen of Egypt, An Eclogue and Bird Song. You'll find the year and the museum of each in the list above.

How many works by Kenyon Cox are in your catalogue?See the answer

We have 76 works by Kenyon Cox in our catalogue, dated 1870 to 1917.

In which museums can you see Kenyon Cox's famous works?See the answer

You'll find most of them in Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.), Oklahoma City Museum of Art (Oklahoma City) and Cincinnati Art Museum (Cincinnati). The museum list above has the full breakdown.

When did Kenyon Cox make the most famous pieces?See the answer

In 1900s, more than any other time: 19 of the 76 pieces on this page date from then, The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa) among them.

What are Kenyon Cox's first and last famous pieces?See the answer

The earliest piece here is (Study for Labor ) (1870); the most recent is The Education of Cupid (1917).

Which subjects did Kenyon Cox paint most often?See the answer

Pencil sketch (5), American art (4) and Male figure (3), out of the 76 pieces on this page.

Which medium shows up most in Kenyon Cox's paintings?See the answer

Pencil, used in 7 of the 76 pieces on this page.

What style or movement is Kenyon Cox known for?See the answer

Contemporary realism, as you can see in the pieces on this page.

Which famous Kenyon Cox paintings are at the Smithsonian American Art Museum?See the answer

You can see 34 of the pieces on this page at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C., including The Progress of Civilization The Forge, Commerce, and Education (mural study, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa), Head of the Queen of Egypt and (Iowa State Capitol Rotunda) (Manufactures, study for panel).

Where can I order a Kenyon Cox reproduction?See the answer

Yes. Every painting on this page is available as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print, in the size that suits you. Just open the painting's page to order.

Kenyon Cox's story

Kenyon Cox: Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

  • Born: October 27, 1856, in Warren, Ohio.
  • Parents: Jacob Dolson Cox and Helen Finney Cox.
  • Kenyon Cox initially studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati (formerly the McMicken School of Art). However, he quickly recognized the limited artistic opportunities available in the city.
  • Following a visit to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, he decided to pursue further education at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, hoping it would lead to studies in Europe.

Parisian Training and Influences

  • In 1877, Cox moved to Paris, joining a wave of American artists seeking artistic inspiration. He believed Paris was experiencing a “second renaissance” in art.
  • Influential Teachers: Carolus-Duran, Jean-Léon Gérôme, and Alexandre Cabanel at the École des Beaux-Arts.
  • He initially studied under Carolus-Duran but became frustrated with what he perceived as a “vulgarity” in Duran’s style.
  • Travels throughout France and Italy exposed him to the works of Renaissance masters, profoundly shaping his artistic vision.

Career in New York and Artistic Style

  • In 1882, Cox returned to New York City, where he established himself as a painter and illustrator.
  • Illustration Work: He became well-known for his magazine illustrations, which reached a wider audience than his paintings.
  • Art Criticism: Cox also wrote unsigned art criticisms for the New York Evening Post, supplementing his income.
  • His artistic style leaned towards realism, with a focus on landscapes, portraits, and genre studies. He was known for idealized nudes and traditional treatments of classical themes.

Teaching and Institutional Involvement

  • Art Students League of New York: Cox became a highly influential instructor at the Art Students League, shaping generations of artists. He designed the League’s logo featuring the motto “Nulla Dies Sine Linea” (No Day Without a Line).
  • Elected an Associate Academician of the National Academy of Design in 1900 and a full Academician in 1903.
  • Founding Member: He was one of the founders and secretary of the National Free Arts League.
  • Leadership Roles: Served as president of the National Society of Mural Painters from 1915 to 1919, and held memberships in various prestigious art organizations.

Major Achievements and Historical Significance

  • Cox’s work represented a commitment to classical ideals at a time when modern art movements were emerging. He advocated for careful drawing, modulated color, and the use of allegory and symbolism.
  • His writings, such as “Two Ways of Painting,” articulated his views on figurative art versus abstract or representational styles.
  • Legacy: Though not a radical innovator, Kenyon Cox played a crucial role in maintaining traditional artistic standards and educating aspiring artists. His influence extended through his teaching and his contributions to the American art establishment.
  • Death: March 17, 1919.

All 76 works by Kenyon Cox →