Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" (1931) by Grant Wood is a captivating reimagining of a pivotal moment in American history. This painting portrays the sensational night ride of Paul Revere, a historical event from April 18, 1775, during which Revere rode to alert the colonial militia of British troops' approach before the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Detailed Description of the Painting:

The scene is set under a deep, blue-black night sky, dynamically illuminated by a creamy full moon that casts an ethereal glow over the landscape. The quaint New England village is meticulously depicted with carefully laid-out buildings that possess a fairy-tale quality in their simple, symmetrical shapes and subdued colors. These buildings are lined neatly along sinuous, curving roads, all converging toward the central focal point—the figure of Paul Revere on horseback.

Revere is depicted galloping through the town, his tiny form highlighted by the moonlight, set against the dark, winding road. He’s astride a white horse, which appears more allegorical than literal, emphasizing the mythic quality of this momentous ride. The horse’s energetic motion contrasts with the quiet stillness of the village. Each house is lit from within, suggesting the urgency and the awakening of a still-slumbering community to the imminent danger.

Grant Wood employs a bird’s-eye perspective to maximize the sense of sweeping movement and to balance the dramatic intensity of Revere’s ride with the tranquil, almost nostalgic view of the village. This elevated viewpoint allows a broad and enchanting vista that stretches into rolling hills and distant landscapes, reinforcing the vastness of Revere's journey.

Information about the Painting and Artist:

- Artist: Grant Wood, born in 1891 near Anamosa, Iowa, is best known for his iconic painting, "American Gothic." Wood was a central figure in the Regionalist art movement, which emerged during the 1930s and focused on depicting rural American themes.

- Location: The original painting "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

- Artistic Movement: The painting is a stellar example of Regionalism and reflects Wood's broader efforts to create a distinctly American art form. Regionalism arose as a reaction against urbanization and industrialization, spotlighting the virtues, landscapes, and historic themes of rural America.

- Context in Wood’s Career: Completed in 1931, this painting fits into Wood's oeuvre as a meticulous, romanticized depiction of American folklore and history. Grant Wood often undertook a romantic vision of Americana, idealizing the simplicity and nobility of rural life. This work, like his others, marries meticulous attention to details with a lyrical, almost whimsical approach to subject matter.

Noteworthy Details:

1. Perspective and Composition: Wood's use of a bird’s-eye view is not a common perspective in traditional historical painting, lending this work a unique dynamic quality.
2. Lighting: The moonlit night plays a crucial role in the emotional tenor of the painting, poignantly juxtaposing the quiet slumber of the village with the momentous urgency of Revere's ride.
3. Symbolism: The white horse and the stylized, almost storybook quality of the architecture contribute to a mythologized version of American history, celebrating heroism and alertness in the face of impending danger.

Overall, "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" is not just a representation of a historical event but an idealized portrayal of American values, cast through the lens of Grant Wood’s unique perceptive ingenuity and paintbrush.