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An original painting by Winold Reiss, used as the design for an industrial mosaic at Cincinnati Union Terminal, is being offered for $395,000. Created in 1930–1931, the artwork depicts a worker associated with the Ault & Wiborg printing ink company. The historic painting is connected to the terminal’s celebrated industrial murals, which were preserved following threats of destruction in the 1970s.
An original Winold Reiss painting connected to Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal murals is on the market for $395,000.
The massive artwork served as the model for one of the terminal’s celebrated industrial mosaics.
Its sale offers collectors an opportunity to own an important piece of Cincinnati’s architectural and cultural history.
Original painting dates to 1930–1931
The painting, titled Original Painting for Cincinnati Union Terminal Mosaic: Ault and Wiborg (Inks and Varnishes), was created by German-born American artist Winold Reiss.
Measuring approximately 111 by 116 inches, the artwork is made with oil on muslin. Its dimensions make it a substantial piece, measuring more than 9 feet across in both directions.
Reiss created the painting in 1930–1931 as part of his work for Cincinnati Union Terminal, which opened in 1933.
The artwork depicts a worker associated with Ault & Wiborg, a Cincinnati company known for manufacturing printing inks and varnishes.
Artwork helped create iconic Union Terminal mosaic
Reiss’s paintings served as designs for the glass mosaic murals installed inside Union Terminal.
The mosaics celebrated Cincinnati’s industries, manufacturing businesses and workers during an important period in the city’s economic history.
The Ravenna Mosaic Company translated Reiss’s designs into large-scale glass installations, making the artwork an enduring part of the terminal’s architectural identity.
The Ault & Wiborg design became one of the industrial murals associated with the terminal.
Historic murals survived threatened destruction
The original industrial murals faced possible destruction during the 1970s as declining passenger rail travel threatened Union Terminal’s future.
Public opposition helped preserve the artworks, although renovations and changes to the terminal’s use eventually led to their relocation.
Fourteen industrial murals were moved to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. In 2016, nine were relocated to the Duke Energy Convention Center during airport renovations.
Five murals remained at the airport, including the Ault & Wiborg mosaic.
The preservation of these artworks helped maintain an important connection to Cincinnati’s industrial past.
New owner could acquire a piece of Cincinnati history
The original painting is represented by Hirschl & Adler, a New York art gallery specializing in American art.
Its reported asking price of $395,000 reflects its size, historical significance and connection to one of Cincinnati’s best-known architectural landmarks.
The potential sale also highlights the continued interest in artwork associated with Union Terminal, whose mosaics remain among the region’s most recognizable examples of public art.
The painting offers a rare opportunity to acquire an original design connected to the creation of Cincinnati’s historic industrial murals.
FAQs
What company is featured in the original painting?
The painting depicts a worker associated with Ault & Wiborg, a Cincinnati company that manufactured printing inks and varnishes.
When did Cincinnati Union Terminal open?
Cincinnati Union Terminal opened in 1933. Its architecture and large-scale mosaic artworks have since become important parts of the city’s cultural heritage.
What material was used to create the original Winold Reiss painting?
The original artwork was made using oil on muslin. It measures approximately 111 by 116 inches.
