The eight panels in the dome of the rotunda are by Robert Reid. There
are two series of four paintings each, called "The Birth and Influence
of Art," and "The Four Gold's of California." They form perhaps the
least interesting of the several groups of murals, being vague in
meaning, unpleasantly restless in composition, and only occasionally
attractive in coloring.
The easiest panel to identify is that called "The Birth of Oriental
Art," which is on the west wall, closest to the doorway of the main
building. Starting with this and following around the dome to the right,
the pictures are in this order:
1. The Birth of Oriental Art. A man in armor on a fanciful, dragon is
attacking an eagle, symbolizing man's effort to attain the inspiration
of the heavens. Below, China can be recognized in the man with a
brilliant colored robe, and Japan in the woman with the bright parasol.
2. Gold is symbolized by a woman with a wand, on a cornucopia
overflowing with gold.
3. The Ideals of All Art. The ideals which animate artists are shown:
Truth with her glass; Religion typified in the Madonna and child;
Beauty, with the peacock; and the Militant Ideal with a flag. Above and
below are figures carrying the wreath and the palm, the artist's tokens
of success in attaining the ideal.