American Gothic

"American Gothic" is the most famous work of painter Grant Wood, and perhaps the most famous work
of American art in general. It was painted in 1930, and in the 20th century, it became an American icon
that has been parodied countless times in the popular culture there.

Grant came up with the idea for the painting while driving through Iowa in August of that year. He came
across the house built in the style of so-called carpenter's gothic, very popular in North America from
the second half of the 19th century.

After receiving permission from the owners to paint it, he drafted the building and returned home to
find the right models he wanted to paint in front of it. Two figures were modeled by Wood's sister Nan
Wood Graham and their dentist Dr. Byron McKeeby.

American Gothic is a depiction of the average agricultural population who lived in Iowa and other
Midwestern countries in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, the picture does not show a
married couple, but a father and his daughter. Behind this pair is a house built of wood, which in its
center has a window made in the Gothic style of construction which the painting got its name.

When the Great Depression began, this work began to be perceived as an expression of a firm American
pioneering spirit who never gives up, no matter how hard life was and no matter what adversity lay
before them. "American Gothic" became an expression of the authentic American scene. "American
Gothic" has become, in a way became the embodiment of America itself.