Christina's World
by Andrew Wyeth
About Christina's World
Medium: Tempera
Dimensions: 32 1/4 x 47 3/4"
Location: Cushing, Maine
"The challenge to me was to do justice to her extraordinary conquest of a life which most people would consider hopeless." - Wyeth
The Olson house that was the setting for "Christina's World."
Although Christina Olson's disease was undiagnosed, many people have speculated that she suffered from a neuromuscular disorder, which may have been polio. Wyeth debated for a while of how to paint her scrawny right arm. The actual head and torso of Christina in the painting was modeled by Wyeth's wife.
Andrew Wyeth
"The Road to Friendship" (1941)
"Geraniums" (1960)
Wyeth's Life
- Andrew was born in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, in 1917. His parents were the artist NC Wyeth and Carolyn Bockius, and was the youngest of five other children. He was born with a faulty hip that caused his feet to turn out when he walked. Due to this he was frequently sick and was taught by tutors instead of going to school.
- At age 15 his father began to teach him art, but only taught him for 2 years before letting him go out on his own. By age 20, Wyeth had his debut in NYC with his watercolors, and had become famous in art world. Wyeth began experimenting with tempera after becoming bored with watercolors, deeming them too easy.
- At age 22, Wyeth married Betsy James.
- At age 31, Wyeth had accomplished something that eludes most painters, even some of the best, in an entire lifetime. He had created an icon—a work that registers as an emotional and cultural reference point in the minds of millions.
"The art of Wyeth resonates in every heart with an honesty and love for humanity beyond borders of all kinds" - Nakamura
Why is it important?
Christina's World is a painting that can evoke several emotions - hope, despair, loneliness. Christina seems to be reaching for something unattainable, which many people can connect to. In addition to that, Wyeth's painting skills are extremely realistic.
Works Cited
"Christina's World." Museum of Modern Art. Museum of Modern Art, n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2014. <http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=78455>.
Duggan, Bob. "The World behind Christina's World." Big Think. N.p., 6 Aug. 2011. Web. 2 Apr. 2014. <http://bigthink.com/Picture-This/the-world-behind-wyeths-christinas-world>. Holson, Laura M. "A Stroll through Wyeth’s Giverny." The New York Times. N.p., 11 Aug. 2011. Web. 2 Apr. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/12/travel/ the-farmhouse-of-wyeths-christinas-world.html?_r=0>.