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A Pictorial Map By the Creator of the Knauber Art Ability Test
This delightful and stylistically unusual pictorial map of the University of Cincinnati, created by Alma Jordan Knauber and designed by the Art Classes of the School of Household Administration at the University of Cincinnati, provides a whimsical yet detailed overview of the university’s campus, creator of the Knauber Art Ability Test, which was designed to judge the artistic ability of students at junior and senior high schools, universities, and art schools.
Knauber's map presents a charming representation of key academic buildings, dormitories, and recreational spaces, each illustrated with playful figures, humorous captions, and distinctive visual style.
The map includes the major campus landmarks, such as Swift Hall, the Women's Building, Teachers College, and Wilson Auditorium, rendered in a simplified architectural form, ensuring easy recognition while adding a personal touch with humorous characters and activities sprinkled throughout. The Chemistry, Physics, and Botany buildings are also prominently displayed, reflecting the importance of the sciences at the university. The central avenue leading to the heart of the campus is labeled Clifton Avenue, framing the scene with the lush tree-lined pathways and garden spaces that add depth and richness to the composition.
Humor abounds in this map with cartoon-like figures engaged in university life. Students can be seen participating in academic pursuits, lounging on campus, or interacting with witty speech bubbles that offer commentary on everyday life at the university. For example, near the physics building, a character whimsically declares, "To be or not to be," while other figures dance, study, or play sports around the campus, along with an explosion in the chemistry building.
The layout of the map emphasizes both the academic and social life of the university, balancing the structured grid of academic buildings with playful illustrations of students and faculty engaging in lively activities on the playfields, in dormitories, and at various campus events. The "Beat Miami!" slogan in the football stadium adds a dynamic touch of school spirit and rivalry.
Rarity
The map is extremely rare.
We cannot find any auction or dealer records.
OCLC locates one example at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
Alma Jordan Knauber, born and raised in Ohio, made significant contributions to the field of art education and testing, particularly in the early 20th century.
She earned her teaching diploma in art from the University of Cincinnati in 1916, demonstrating early dedication to her craft. Knauber pursued further education, obtaining both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from Ohio State University. Her master’s thesis focused on testing for art ability, reflecting her interest in understanding and evaluating artistic potential.
In 1931, while serving as a faculty member at the School of Household Administration at the University of Cincinnati, Knauber published important work on the art abilities of very young children. This study laid the groundwork for the Knauber Art Ability Test, which was published the following year, becoming a significant tool in the assessment of children's creative capacities.
Beyond her academic achievements, Knauber was also an accomplished painter, working in both watercolors and oils. Her artistic output and contributions to educational testing made her a notable figure in both the artistic and academic communities of Ohio, shaping how art ability was understood and nurtured in children during a pivotal period of educational development.
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