Definition
Ross Moffett (1888 – 1972) was an American painter and muralist associated with the American Scene movement and the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
Overview
Born on February 1, 1888, in Salem, Massachusetts, Moffett studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and later in Paris under the tutelage of notable artists such as Jean-Paul Laurens. After returning to the United States, he settled in New Hampshire, where he taught at the University of New Hampshire and became a prominent figure in regional art circles.
Moffett’s career was marked by a series of public murals commissioned under New Deal programs during the 1930s and 1940s. Notable works include the mural The Harvest (1938) in the Durham, New Hampshire post office, The Shipyard (1941) in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire post office, and The Rural Scene (1939) in the Concord, New Hampshire post office. His paintings often depicted agrarian life, maritime subjects, and New England landscapes, reflecting the social realist ethos of his time.
Moffett continued to exhibit his work in galleries and museums throughout the mid‑20th century, and his contributions to public art were recognized with several awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1937. He died on March 4, 1972, in Durham, New Hampshire.
Etymology / Origin
- Ross – a given name of Scottish origin derived from the Gaelic ros, meaning “promontory” or “headland.”
- Moffett – a surname of English and Irish origin, historically a variant of Moffat, which traces to the town of Moffat in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, or to the Gaelic Mac Oitidh (“son of Oitidh”).
Characteristics
- Artistic Style: Moffett’s work is characterized by a realist approach combined with a modest modernist sensibility. He employed a muted palette to evoke the atmospheric qualities of New England’s rural and coastal environments.
- Subject Matter: Frequent themes include farm labor, seasonal harvests, shipbuilding, and small‑town community life, aligning with the broader American Scene movement’s focus on everyday American experiences.
- Technique: In his murals, Moffett utilized fresco and oil‑on‑canvas methods adapted for public buildings, emphasizing clear narrative composition and accessibility to a broad audience.
- Teaching Influence: As a professor at the University of New Hampshire, he mentored a generation of New England artists, promoting the integration of fine art with public service.
Related Topics
- American Scene painting
- Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project
- New Deal mural programs
- Regionalism in American art
- University of New Hampshire Department of Art & Art History
- Other New Deal muralists (e.g., Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood)