The artwork titled “The Sentimental Yearner” is attributed to the artist Grant Wood, created in the year 1936. It is classified within the art movement known as Regionalism, a movement emphasizing rural American themes and landscapes. The genre of this particular work is a portrait, capturing the likeness and the emotional disposition of the subject within the artwork.
The artwork presents a portrait of a man depicted in contemplation or perhaps with a tinge of wistfulness. His gaze is directed away from the viewer, looking upward to his left, which might suggest introspection or yearning, aligning with the title of the piece. The subject is wearing a light-colored suit, complete with a bow tie and glasses, enhancing the formal and dignified air of the portrait. A notable feature is a single flower, which the subject holds delicately with his right hand, bringing a touch of sensitivity and possibly romantic sentimentality to the otherwise stark presentation. The background is muted, dark, and textural, serving to foreground the figure and the introspective mood conveyed by the subject. Additionally, the artwork’s palette appears subdued, focusing on earth tones that characteristically reflect the Regionalist movement’s connection to the American heartland. The detailed rendering of the subject’s features and clothing contributes to a sense of realism, while also allowing for interpretation of the subject’s inner thoughts and emotions.
