The Power in Inner Strength

Artist : Andrew Wyeth

Title: Christina's World

Date: 1948

Medium: Tempera on Panel

Provenance: Maine, U.S. (Currently in MOMA)

Source: http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=78455

. Description - A young woman crawls towards the house on the hill. The muted browns, pinks and grays canvas the page.

. Analyze- Wyeth uses slightly sloping diagonal lines to draw focus to the house. Starting from the bottom, your attention is slowly drawn upwards. The house is composed of rectangles, squares and triangles. The only organic form is Christina herself. Most of the painting is done in muted browns with a darker hue. The houses contrast against the strikingly light background as does Christina's light dress against the dark brown ground. The painting overall has a rough textured look and the color scheme is primarily dark with bits of light to add contrast. Christina and the houses have positive value while the sky and ground are negative space.  The piece is balanced with Christina taking up the left side and the houses on the right. Christina and the sky are much brighter ensuring that Christina contrasts against the grass and the houses contrast against the sky. Emphasis is put on Christina and the houses. Your attention is drawn to Christina and flows up through the piece towards the house.

Interpret: The contrasting forms of both Christina and the houses highlight both her and her goal. The lighter colors of Christina against the darker, more muted background put emphasis on the hope of her character. The textured look of the painting creates a realistic feel.

Judge: This is a wonderful piece that captures the inner strength and will of Christina. Her form is the only light thing in the painting and the contrast is striking. A very well done and realistic piece overall.