The artwork, entitled “Plaid Sweater,” is a creation by artist Grant Wood, who completed this oil on cardboard portrait in the year 1931. As a product of the Regionalism art movement, this piece mirrors the cultural emphasis on rural American themes that characterized works of that period.
“Plaid Sweater” portrays a young boy dressed in a plaid-patterned sweater that covers the upper part of his body. The boy’s expression is solemn and pensive, as he gazes directly at the viewer with an air of contemplative seriousness that belies his youth. His hair is neatly combed, suggesting a moment of formal representation or significance.
The boy is also wearing a pair of brownish trousers secured with a belt, into which a small pouch or pocket is attached. In his left hand, which rests against his waist, he holds a brown round object which could be a hat or helmet, while his right hand is just partially visible at the lower edge of the artwork, clad in what appears to be a glove and holding a dark object that might be related to sports or outdoor activity.
In the background, the landscape is muted and features a stylized rendition of rolling hills and foliage, with hints of red that could represent flowers or crops. The combination of the boy’s clothing, his personal effects, and the rural backdrop, speaks to the core themes of Regionalism, which often highlighted the everyday reality of life in the United States, especially in the Midwest. The artwork stands as a snapshot of time, representing an intimate and grounded depiction of American youth in the early 20th century.
