Jack-in-Pulpit - No. 2

"Jack-in-Pulpit - No. 2" is an oil on canvas painting created by Georgia O'Keeffe in 1930. Executed with a meticulous, almost invisible brushstroke, this canvas exemplifies O'Keeffe's signature approach to monumentalizing natural forms. The work focuses on the intimate, highly magnified details of the Arisaema triphyllum plant, transforming the delicate flower into a commanding study of structure and shadow.

This piece belongs to a specific series where O'Keeffe explored the subtleties of the jack-in-the-pulpit flower through scale and abstraction. By zooming in drastically, the artist abstracts the subject, creating an interplay of curved lines, deep voids, and planar surfaces that dominate the composition. The interplay between dark, cool tones and stark, light-filled areas emphasizes the complex geometry of the spathe and spadix, suggesting both containment and powerful growth.

The work is a crucial example of American Modernism, fitting squarely within the 1926 to 1950 period when the artist was developing her most recognizable imagery. O'Keeffe’s singular perspective, which elevated the indigenous American landscape and flora, profoundly influenced the direction of American art in the twentieth century.

This historically significant painting remains a cornerstone of the National Gallery of Art collection. While the original oil on canvas resides securely in the museum, the enduring popularity of this subject has ensured that high-quality reproductions and prints, often available through public domain initiatives or museum programs, continue to introduce O'Keeffe’s mastery to a broad audience.