Biography
Edward Millman (1907–1964) was an American painter and muralist whose work for the Section of Fine Arts placed him among the most accomplished New Deal artists in the Midwest. Known for his bold compositions, strong draftsmanship, and ability to handle large narrative cycles, Millman completed major federal commissions across the United States.
His most significant Missouri contribution is the monumental seven‑panel mural cycle created for the St. Louis Post Office in 1941 — one of the largest and most ambitious New Deal mural projects in the state.
Missouri Works
Millman completed a major mural cycle for the St. Louis Post Office under the Section of Fine Arts. The seven panels depict Missouri’s history from frontier settlement to early statehood:
- “The Territory of Missouri” (1941)
- “The Struggle for Statehood” (1941)
- “Pre Civil War Missouri” (1941)
- “Early Commerce and Trade” (1941)
- “The River” (1941)
- “The Frontier” (1941)
- “The Pioneer” (1941)
Together, these murals form one of the most comprehensive visual narratives of Missouri’s early history produced during the New Deal era. Millman’s ability to combine historical storytelling with dynamic composition makes this cycle a cornerstone of Missouri’s public art heritage.
New Deal Program Involvement
Millman worked extensively under the Section of Fine Arts, completing murals for federal buildings in:
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Other major federal sites across the Midwest
His contributions reflect the Section’s emphasis on craftsmanship, historical clarity, and public accessibility. Millman’s Missouri mural cycle stands as one of the most ambitious and historically rich New Deal projects in the state.