American Artwork of the 1930s and 1940s

American Gothic

1930

This famous painting won Grant Wood a $300 prize from the Art Institute of Chicago. It was inspired by his hometown in Iowa and famous for its unique characters and detailed work.

Chrysler Building

1930

The Chrysler building is an Art Deco structure in New York City. It was formerly the tallest building in the world.

1930-1949

Period: Jan 1, 1930 to Dec 31, 1949

Cow's Skull with Calico Roses

1931

Georgia O'Keeffe created this work after being inspired by a animal skeletons in the New Mexico desert. The whimsical flowers play in juxtaposition with the morbid skull.

Couple in Raccoon Coats

1932

James VanDerZee photographed this couple to show the opulence of the American dream. The photo became inspirational for people of all races to regain financial independence after the Great Depression.

Little House in the Big Woods

1932

Laura Ingalls Wilder published this first autobiographical book in 1932 which chronicled growing up as an American settler.

Alabama Cotton Tenant Farmer’s Wife

1936

Walker Evans captured this photo during travels through the American south. Through this photo and others he shed light on the faces and aftermath of the Great Depression.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

1937

Zora N. Hurston, part of the Harlem Renaissance, used this novel to portray the realistic lives of African Americans and help overturn racial injustice in America.

Golden Gate Bridge

1937

This suspension bridge is an engineering marvel and a staple for tourists visiting San Francisco, California.

Of Mice and Men

1937

John Steinbeck's novella follows two best friends, George and Lennie, who travel as migrant workers facing the effects of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

1937

This film marked the release of Disney's first feature length animated film. It was a classic retelling of a Brother's Grimm fairy tale.

The Wizard of Oz

1939

The film, based on L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is known as one of the greatest films of all time due to its stunning musical performances and use of technicolor. It was nominated for six Academy Awards.

In the Mood

1939

This song by Glenn Miller is a staple of the big band genre of music made popular during the time period.

Gone with the Wind

1939

This epic film with a running time of 221 minutes won the 1939 Academy Award for best picture. It was the highest-earning film upon its release and features astounding performances from the lead characters.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

1941

This hit song by the Andrews Sisters was popular in part because of its military theme, coinciding with the events of World War 2.

Nighthawks

1942

Hopper's work features a New York restaurant illuminating a dark street with its florescent lights. The eye is drawn to the seemingly unrelated customers at the bar who show the "loneliness of a large city."

Nightlife

1943

This work by Chicago painter Archibald John Motley Jr. portrays the vibrant African American culture of the time period as men and women happily socialize after midnight.

Untitled

1944

American author Jackson Pollock created this abstract painting using pen and brush.

V-J Day in Times Square

1945

Alfred Eisenstaedt captured this photo of a spontaneous celebration of American victory over Japan.

It's A Wonderful Life

1946

This classic Christmas film was released in 1946 and starred Jimmy Stewart. It's positive message and memorable characters have made it a staple for film lovers.

Truman Capote

1948

In 1948 Irving Penn captured this photo of author Truman Capote.