Dome

North stairwell by Sert; Sert was a Catalan Spanish muralist, the son of an affluent textile industry family and friend of Salvador Dalí. He was particularly known for his grisaille style, often in gold and black. His “American Progress” mural (1937) in the main lobby replaced Diego Rivera’s controversial homage to Lenin. Sert's mural depicts the country’s growth and shows statues of creative muses hauled by laboring strongmen. Lincoln, Emerson, and Gandhi lend a hand. "Time" was painted on the ceiling (5,000 sq ft; 1941). "Spirit of the Dance" was painted in the north hall (25 x 17 ft; 1941). Other murals line the stairwells and corridors. Titles include "Man's Triumph In Communication" (1933); "Abolition of War" (1933); "Abolition of Bondage" (1933); "Conquest of Disease" (1933). Four murals by Frank Brangwyn were commissioned for the south hall, 1930-1934. Brangwyn's theme was man's search for the eternal truth through Christ's teachings. The murals, which had darkened under varnish, were restored in 2009-2011 and the lobby repainted to match the original ivory colors. Source: Rockefeller Center [website]; http://www.rockefellercenter.com/ (accessed 4/29/2013)