The artwork titled “Portrait of Nan” by Grant Wood, created in 1933, embodies the aesthetic of the Regionalism art movement popular in the United States during the interwar period. This portrait is executed in oil on masonite, a distinctive choice of medium that aligns with the practical and accessible spirit of Regionalism. As with other works from this movement, it seeks to present an honest and localized vision of American life.
Observing the artwork, one is immediately struck by the tondo (circular) format, which frames the sitter in an intimate and focused manner. The portrait features a woman positioned against a warm, reddish-brown background. Her expression is solemn and her gaze is directed straight ahead, suggesting a sense of contemplation or resolve.
She has blond hair styled in pronounced waves with ribbons at the ends. The subject is dressed in a sleeveless, white dress with black polka dots, adorned with a black belt that underscores the simplicity and perhaps the modesty of her attire. On her lap, she gently holds a peach along with two small chicks. The inclusion of the chicks and peach might be symbolic, possibly referencing themes of fertility, innocence, or the simplicity of rural life which is often a focus of Regionalist art.
The color palette is controlled and subdued, with an emphasis on warm tones that accord with the subject’s dress and her immediate surroundings. Overall, the artwork conveys a sense of quiet strength, regional identity, and unpretentious beauty consistent with Wood’s artistic vision and the wider Regionalist movement.
