Daughters of Revolution

"Daughters of Revolution" is a painting by Grant Wood that stands out as the only satire he acknowledged creating. The story behind this piece dates back to 1927 when Wood was commissioned to design a stained glass window in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The project sparked controversy because Wood used German glass, which did not sit well with the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). This group still harbored anti-German sentiments lingering from World War I.

In response to the DAR's criticism, Wood painted "Daughters of Revolution" depicting three elderly women in stark contrast to the heroic image of George Washington in "Washington Crossing the Delaware." Critics have since explored the painting's deeper meanings. Henry Adams, for example, suggested that the women in the painting might resemble cross-dressing founding fathers. Tripp Evans, in his biography of Wood, investigates themes of potential homosexuality and gender identity in Wood's work. Conversely, Deborah Solomon argues that Wood's sexuality might be overstated, suggesting that he could be more accurately described as asexual. She emphasizes Wood’s fascination with history and his distinctive artistic style, considering him an essential eccentric in American art.

Interestingly, Wood himself had mixed feelings about the painting. He once called it a "pretty rotten painting" that was only notable for its provocative subject matter.