Curatorial Narrative A. N. Macdonald’s “New York Zoological Society” of 1911 occupies a pivotal position within the Neoclassical tradition, exemplifying the stylistic currents that defined early twentieth-century architectural painting. The artist’s linear brushwork imbues the composition with a sense of precision and control, underscoring the rationalist underpinnings of Neoclassicism. The subject matter itself an imposing structure serves as a synecdoche for the ideals of modernity: grandeur, efficiency, and order. As such, Macdonald’s work participates in the larger cultural conversation surrounding the built environment during this period. When enlarged to its dimensions (44×51 inches), “New York Zoological Society” assumes an imposing presence that would command attention within a luxury interior setting. The monochromatic palette, initially appearing as a stark dichotomy between light and dark, reveals itself to be a maste