Cow Skull: Red, White, and Blue O’Keeffe

O'Keeffe created the painting in 1931. Around the time of the painting's creation, American artists, musicians, and writers were interested in identifying a uniquely American style and subject matter for their work. O'Keeffe offered a different opinion about what images could best symbolize America. In this case, she used a weathered cow's skull to represent the enduring spirit of America or depicting Jesus Christ on the cross with touches on the strong ties to Christianity. The painting prominently displays the three colors of the American flag behind the cow skull.