Joe Cox (NC, 1915-1997), Middle Eastern Scene

Oil on Masonite, signed at lower right, framed.

Board 30 x 24 in.; Frame dimensions 34 1/4 x 28 1/4 in.

Joseph H. Cox was a North Carolina painter and muralist known for his urban landscapes rendered in oils, watercolors, and acrylics. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Cox studied art at the John Herron Art School and the University of Iowa. He began exhibiting early in his career with entries in the 1939 Golden Gate International Exhibition in San Francisco and the 1941 Carnegie International exhibition. In his twenties, the government commissioned him to paint murals for Michigan and Indiana post offices. During World War II, Cox served in the U.S. Navy as naval aviator.

In 1954 Cox accepted a teaching position at NC State University where he became one of the leading artists and educators in the state. He received the First Annual Raleigh Artsplosure Artist Achievement Award in 1985, the Raleigh Medal of Arts Award in 1991, and the North Carolina Award in the Fine Arts in 1993. His work is held in prominent collections including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Mint Museum, the Chrysler Museum, and the High Museum. Cox continued to experiment throughout his career with diverse materials including stained glass, anodized aluminum, and cast stone, creating both traditional paintings and innovative works such as his Color Wall kinetic light sculpture at NC State University.

Edge wear to board, including an area of damage along top edge of board; no evidence of retouch visible under UV light.