Midnight Mass

"The Midnight Mass" by E.T. Hurley (1911). 
A nice shot of the towering Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mt. Adams.
And what's not to like about Edward: Rookwood decorator, lover of Cincinnati
architecture and landscapes, and pupil of Duveneck - one heck of a life.

I've visited the CAM a thousand times, as far back as I can remember, and of all the works shown, I think this is my favorite. It currently sits in the Cincinnati Wing (2nd floor), positioned perfectly for its notoriety.

Showcasing an incredibly empathetic environment that harkens an era I repetitively like to recall: When the Queen still demanded some respect without being authoritative, all due to the natural progression of her statured denizens thriving in a meaty core.  And it has a nice, subdued palette with thick brush strokes.

The coolest thing about it:
You can almost hear the city's collective Black Lung wheezing.

• Read more about Hurley and this particular painting here, here, and here. And to give this painting its due credit, you have to see it in person... but be warned, it's addictive.