Carving, woman holding sheaf of wheat

This tribal arts category isn't really appropriate, but none of them are, and it is a hand carved piece of wood. I think the light-weight wood is red cedar, possibly fir. That plus being found here makes me think it is likely American, though could be European based on style alone (maybe there is similar wood used in Europe?)

One piece of wood, 10-1/2" tall including base. Unusual in being signed and dated, but "AK" "1946" doesn't really lead me anywhere. Would appreciate any thoughts?

 

She looks a lot like that deco picture of the man and woman in the wheat field.
Sorry, I'm not good with artists.

 

Don't think you'll ever know. Likely a hobbiest.

Debora

 

nice work...

 

Do you mean the Grant Wood painting, farmer with pitchfork?

 

Thanks, I thought so too. Not the kind of carving I would normally buy, but I was struck by the quality of this one. Would love to know whether the pose with wheat is from some known work? @Bronwen and @Any Jewelry , do you recognize the pose?

Probably, but IMHO much higher quality carving than most, which made me think it could be by someone who has produced more than just this one piece. Unfortunately initials "AK" are interpreted by google as abbreviation for Alaska, so I can't make much headway. Calling @i need help , because I need help!

 

It's very charming and skillfully done.

Debora

 

She has a sweet face, Jeff.
I get an Eastern European vibe. Could be totally wrong.
@April07 , does this look familiar to you?

 

The only thing I could have added is that the grain harvest is a associated with the goddess Demeter/Ceres, but, etsy seller (who has probably sold a cameo or two) notwithstanding, I don't think that was the intention here. She is very fetching & skillfully done, but suspect she would still be considered folk art & AK could be very hard to find.

Is 'American Gothic' the painting referred to above?

 

@Any Jewelry thanks for tagging me! Somehow, the sculpture looks to me rather Central European. But I don't know what exactly gives me that feeling

 

There is something of Socialist Realism about her. (This from Bulgaria.) American wouldn't be my first thought.

Debora

 

The 1 in 1946 is European in style.

 

Yes, it is. Signed by an older European hand.

Debora

 

It reminds me more of Millet's peasants than of Mukhina's

 

No.
What I'm thinking of is a more modern artistic look (1930s) She's standing left of center holding the wheat, he's center working (maybe with a hand tool - not sure) Lots of yellow, crisp colors, hard shapes.
Sorry art is not my strong point.

 

Very cool. Thank you for the interesting discussion. And again INH found something similar! Amazing group here!