Did You Know?

The man and woman in “American Gothic” by Grant Wood are actually the painter’s sister, Nan, and his Iowan dentist, Dr. Bryon McKeeby.

Be Careful What You Wish For - Regionalism and Grant Wood

Grant Wood, "American Gothic", Oil on beaverboard, 74.3 x 62.4 cm, Friends of American Art Collection, 1930.934 - All rights reserved by The Art Institute of Chicago and VAGA, New York, NYAmerican Regionalism is a style of art that became popular during the 1930s. Among its prestigious practitioners are Edward Hopper, Thomas Hart Benton and Charles Burchfield. The goal of the American Scene Painters (another name by which they became known) was to depict life outside of large cities such as New York--in straightforward ways that everyone could understand and enjoy. Considered by some to be the founder of the movement was Grant Wood, who created the famous “American Gothic” -- which catapulted him to fame overnight. But that dream come true turned into a nightmare for Wood:

“No American artwork has been parodied more than American Gothic. Zombies, dogs, Beavis and Butthead, the Muppets, Lego figures, and even Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton have taken a turn with the pitchfork. But the painting itself is no joke -American Gothic is as recognizable as the Mona Lisa and The Scream.”  

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