Grant Wood (American, 1891-1942), Sultry Night

Lithograph on wove paper, 1939, pencil signed at lower right, from the edition of 100 (proposed edition of 250), published by Associated American Artists (A.A.A.), New York, with full margins and deckle edges, unframed.

Image size 9 x 11 11/16 in.; Sheet size 11 7/8 x 15 7/8 in.; Mat size 14 x 18 in.

Created in 1939, Sultry Night stands apart from the idealized rural imagery for which Wood is best known. The scene presents an intimate depiction of a nude farmhand bathing outdoors after a day's work. Art historians have suggested that the model may have been Eric Knight, a British author, University of Iowa colleague, and sometime housemate of the artist, adding another layer of intrigue to one of Wood's most debated compositions.

Intended to be an edition of 250, the lithograph was deemed obscene by the Postmaster General because of its frontal male nudity. As a result, the edition was limited to just 100 impressions, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after prints in Wood's graphic oeuvre.

Image in excellent condition; margins with slight toning and few minor spots; otherwise very good condition.

Schedule Preview