Single Calla Lily (Red) 

Georgia O'Keeffe’s ‘Single Calla Lily (Red)’ offers a close-up, sensual depiction of a flower against a vibrant background. Made in the United States, it's part of a larger movement of early twentieth-century art that re-examined traditional subjects through a modern lens. The intense focus on the natural world can be seen as a reaction to the rapid industrialization of the country. O’Keeffe's choice of the calla lily, a popular symbol of beauty and purity, challenges the conventions of depicting women. Through its curves and folds, the painting explores the female form. Some critics read sexual undertones into her botanical studies. Understanding the context of O’Keeffe’s work requires looking into the art criticism of her time. By exploring period publications and biographical materials, we can examine how societal attitudes about gender, sexuality, and the natural world may have influenced her artistic vision. Her work continues to invite interpretations, demonstrating how art reflects and shapes cultural values.