American Gothic by Grant Wood
Americana Art at its Finest
In 1930 Grant Wood, an American artist, produced "American Gothic". The image illustrates a farmer holding a pitchfork, standing beside his daughter, both of whom are dressed in plain, unassuming clothing. The two figures are posed in front of a small house with a distinctive Gothic window, which gives the painting its name.
The inspiration for "American Gothic" is Wood's observations of the rural Midwest in the early 20th century. He wanted to imbibe the region's character and spirit and create an art piece symbolizing traditional values. To support this vision, the figures in the painting are illustrated in a straightforward, unadorned manner. This simplicity emphasizes the strong character and integrity of his subjects and shows that those qualities are also important to Wood.
"American Gothic" is a consummate piece of Americana art.
About the "American Gothic" Painting
| Painting Name | American Gothic |
|---|---|
| Artist | Grant Wood |
| Paint Type | Oil on Beaverboard |
| Year Completed | 1930 |
| Painting Period(s) | Midwestern Regionalizm, Modernism |
| Location it was Painted | Inspiration from Iowa, USA |
| Where it is Now | Art Institute of Chicago |
| What it's Worth Now | Wood's landscapes sell between $5-$10 million, so it would be a safe bet American Gothic would be valued for more than that price range. |
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