RALPH FLETCHER SEYMOUR, "OLD MAIN" (PAINTING), 1937

oil on canvas, 5' x 4' approx.

Located: Hallway, main floor, Old Main, Knox College, Galesburg, Ill.

Ralph Fletcher Seymour painted "Old Main," an artwork depicting the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, while an artist-in residence at Knox College. This Chicago artist recreated the 1858 Debate from a little research and a lot of imagination. It is a lively interpretation in the style of American Regionalism. Seymour captures the enthusiasm of a rural audience welcoming Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln stands tall on the platform and gestures with a pointing fist and an open hand, while Douglas sits waiting his turn to address the crowd. Many bonneted women, an African-American family and apparently a Native American are in the audience. Signs are raised high, "Lombard College for Lincoln" is in the foreground while a smaller one in the background reads, "Douglas Our Choice." In the right hand corner of the painting, storm clouds appear to be gathering during the outdoor event. It might be noted that Douglas appears twice. Seymour could not decide on the exact historical placement before he died. He also included a self-portrait. He is on the platform in a green suit and has a beard.

Another mural-size (10'x 13' approx.) painting on the topic exists in the Seymour Union, Lincoln Room at Knox College. In l968, artist,"Swortwort" painted the more modern interpretation of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate. It's interesting to compare and contrast it to Ralph Fletcher Seymour's view.