January

January

Artwork Type: Painting

Artwork Description: In the Cleveland Museum of Art, Grant Wood's "January" invites you to experience the serene beauty of a rural winter landscape. Created in 1940, this painting captures the essence of the American Midwest with its snow-covered haystacks and a distant farmhouse.

Wood, known for his Regionalist style, skillfully arranges the haystacks in a triangular composition, drawing your eye to the largest haystack in the center, flanked by two smaller ones. The muted colors and intricate details create a sense of realism, inviting you to feel the crisp winter air and the stillness of the scene.

The farmhouse, nestled amidst trees in the upper right corner, adds a touch of warmth and human presence to the otherwise desolate landscape. Wood's attention to detail is evident in the depiction of the snow-covered roof, the bare branches of the trees, and the smoke rising from the chimney, suggesting a cozy interior.

"January" exudes a sense of peace and tranquility, inviting you to contemplate the simple beauty of rural life. Wood's mastery in capturing the essence of the American Midwest shines through in this painting, making it a beloved work in the museum's collection.

Artwork Date: 1940

Institution Name: Cleveland Museum of Art

Artwork Size: 82.5 cm × 67 cm (32.5 in × 26.4 in)

Author Name: Grant Wood

The painting depicts a serene winter landscape with a series of snow-covered haystacks arranged in a diagonal line across the foreground. The haystacks are painted in muted shades of green and brown, and their conical shapes are softened by the snow. The background of the painting is a dark, brooding sky, which creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. The only signs of life in the scene are a few faint animal tracks in the snow.