Biography
Frank Mechau (1904–1946) was an American painter and muralist whose work for the Section of Fine Arts made him one of the most accomplished public artists of the New Deal era. Known for his dynamic depictions of the American West, Mechau combined strong draftsmanship with rhythmic, modern compositions that brought energy and movement to large‑scale murals.
His Missouri mural — “Pony Express” in St. Joseph — is one of the state’s most important New Deal artworks, celebrating the region’s frontier history and its role in American communication and expansion.
Missouri Works
“Pony Express” — St. Joseph Post Office (1938)
Commissioned by the Section of Fine Arts, this mural depicts a Pony Express rider racing across the plains,
capturing the speed, danger, and drama of frontier communication. Mechau’s bold forms and sweeping motion make
this one of Missouri’s most iconic New Deal murals.
The mural remains a centerpiece of St. Joseph’s cultural heritage and a key example of Mechau’s mastery of large‑scale public art.
New Deal Program Involvement
Mechau worked extensively under the Section of Fine Arts, completing murals for federal buildings in:
- St. Joseph, Missouri
- Washington, D.C.
- Colorado
- Oregon
- Texas
His contributions reflect the Section’s emphasis on craftsmanship, narrative clarity, and public accessibility. Mechau’s Missouri mural stands as one of the finest examples of New Deal art in the state.