Here's why it was censored and ultimately destroyed:
* Controversial Depiction of Lenin: The mural featured a prominent portrayal of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and founder of the Soviet Union. This was seen as highly controversial and politically charged in the United States, particularly during the Cold War era.
* Capitalist Imagery Alongside Lenin: The mural also juxtaposed Lenin with depictions of industrial capitalism, including images of Henry Ford and other prominent figures. This seemingly contradictory message was deemed unacceptable by Rockefeller, who saw it as undermining his capitalist values.
* Nelson Rockefeller's Demands: Nelson Rockefeller, the vice-president of the Rockefeller Center Corporation, was particularly upset by the mural's content. He insisted that Rivera remove Lenin and other elements that he deemed controversial.
* Rivera's Refusal: Despite being offered a large sum of money, Rivera refused to alter his artwork. He considered it a complete artistic expression and believed that censorship would violate his artistic integrity.
* Destruction of the Mural: As a result, Rockefeller ordered the destruction of the mural, which was still in progress. The mural was covered with plaster and painted over.
It's important to note that the destruction of "Man at the Crossroads" sparked considerable debate about artistic freedom, censorship, and political expression in the United States.
While the original mural was destroyed, Rivera later created a smaller version of the work, titled "Man, Controller of the Universe," which is now on display at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.