Great American Nude #75

Tom Wesselmann was an artist born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Seeking to distinguish himself from Abstract Expressionism, the dominant art movement in the American art scene of the late 1950s, he gained recognition as a leading Pop artist by participating in group exhibitions focused on Pop Art following his first solo exhibition in 1961.

Wesselmann’s iconic series, Great American Nude, consists of 100 works created over 13 years, beginning with Great American Nude #1 (1961) and concluding with Great American Nude #100 (1973). In Western art history, depictions of the nude often evoke images such as Titian’s Venus of Urbino (1534) or Édouard Manet’s Olympia (1863), which emphasize the curves of reclining female forms. While Wesselmann’s work aligns with this European tradition, it also reflects the distinct characteristics of American popular culture, creating a uniquely “American” vision of the female nude. This series, in particular, captures the socio-cultural dynamics of the era, marked by economic prosperity and a shifting, more open attitude toward sexuality in 1960s and 70s America.

In Great American Nude #75, the background features elements symbolizing the American flag, such as the arrangement of colors and star shapes, alongside the depiction of an emphasized mouth and the omission of eyes and nose. These elements highlight the distinct characteristics of the series. Wesselmann’s figures and still lifes exude an almost unreal beauty and allure, evoking a dreamlike quality. At the same time, they serve as reflections of the glamorous imagery of urban mass media and the materialism inherent within it.