The artwork “Red Cross Nurses Handing out Wool for Knitting” was created by William H. Johnson in 1942. It is part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is classified under the genre painting category. The scene depicted showcases Red Cross nurses distributing wool to community members, presumably for knitting, capturing a moment of communal aid and interaction during a likely wartime period.
The artwork employs a stylized and simplified visual approach characteristic of the Naïve Art movement, with vivid, flat colors and minimal shading. The scene features three nurses, each adorned in white uniforms with a red cross emblem, handing out wool to a group of individuals of varying ages. The composition is set against the backdrop of a modest structure with a sign reading “American Red Cross,” reinforcing the humanitarian theme. The communal spirit is palpable, as the expressions and postures of the figures evoke a sense of gratitude and mutual assistance. This genre painting thus not only illustrates a historical context but also reflects broader themes of community and support.
