In this painting, "building more stately mansions", by Aaron Douglas, we see many Harlem Renaissance themes, as well as a strong commentary on the role of black culture and influence in contemporary American society. this work is dommonated by the theme of exploring African heritage, like much of his work, Douglas paints in African subject matter, like the sphinx and pyramid. The painting juxtaposes these African monuments with western structures like arches, a cathedral, and modern skyscrapers. In the foreground the artist paints in blacks constructing the buildings of tomorrow, but rather than writing his people off solely as laborers erecting these structures, he also depicts black scientists and engineers assisting in the construction.
Douglas puts a strong emphasis on the two children in the lower left corner, they are looking at a globe which radiates light throughout the painting. by depicting these children douglas creates a statement about the importance of educating the youth. this is a largely optimistic painting, which looks forward towards a brighter tomorrow. It also has a theme of pride, in the accomplishments of the past the present  and the future.