Brigham Young University Museum of Art
December 6, 2024 - April 26, 2025

Step into the vibrant world of John Held, Jr., one of the Jazz Age's most iconic artists. Famous for his colorful depictions of flappers, humorous illustrations of college life, and sharp social commentary, Held's work defined the spirit of the 1920s and 1930s. His art appeared on the covers and pages of renowned magazines like Vanity Fair, Life, Cosmopolitan, and The New Yorker and found its way into newspapers, advertisements, books, movie posters, and even games.

This exhibition offers a delightful journey through Held's ingenious representations of the era, featuring works in various media such as drawings, watercolors, linocuts, and more. Despite being created nearly a century ago, his art continues to charm with its wit, relevance, and whimsicality.

With original support from the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts, John Held, Jr. is curated by Glen Nelson. Get more visitor info by visiting the BYU Museum of Art.

take a mini-tour with curator, glen nelson

“Held’s humor and style defined an era, but there are surprising parallels between the 1920s and the 2020s: in both decades, society emerged from global pandemics, wars, and financial uncertainties to upheaval on college campuses and gender roles in dynamic transition.”

– Glen Nelson

Picture works by John Held, Jr.:

  • Life, December 17, 1925 (sports), 1925. 10.75 x 8.4”. Courtesy of private collector.

  • Brigham Young Gets His Wives a Cold Drink, 1925. Linocut, 5 x 6.75”. L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, BYU

  • Untitled (Empire State), 1935. Watercolor, 20 x 14”. L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, BYU

  • Illustration of boy in hammock asleep with fallen book. 9 x 7”. L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, BYU