This post may contain affiliate links.
If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission.
just readour disclosurefor more info.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
The 20th century marked a time of great artistic growth in the United States.
One of the mostfamous paintingsto emerge from this era is Grant Wood’sAmerican Gothic.
And while many are familiar with this iconic work of art, less is known about its creator.
Grant Wood, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1925 (Photo: Russell A. Figge Art Museum viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
These diverse interestsin daily American life and European artistic traditionsultimately culminated in his magnum opus.
Here, we will learn more about Wood and his impact on American art.
Who is Grant Wood?
Grant Wood, “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,” 1931 (Photo: TG 642 viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Originally from Iowa, he spent much of his youth traversing the Midwest.
Influenced by the work of old masters, he sought to portray American life as he saw it.
His paintings display an interest in modeling, effective use of light and shadow, and complex compositions.
Grant Wood, “Fall Plowing,” 1931 (Photo: Viola viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Technique does not constitute art, he said.
It is the depth and intensity of an artists experience that are the first importance in art.
The house in the painting is based on a real-life structure that Wood came across in Iowa.
Grant Wood, “American Gothic,” 1930 (Photo: Art Institute of Chicago viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Known as theDibble House, this humble abode was built in 1881 in aGothicRevival style calledCarpenter Gothic.
When he spotted the home, it immediately caught his eyeand sparked his imagination.
Overall, the highly detailed approach to American Gothic has made it a hallmark of the regionalist style.
Grant Wood, “January,” 1940–1941 (Photo: Wmpearl viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
When she eventually passed away, his art was donated to the Figge Art Museum in Iowa.
What is Grant Wood famous for?
Grand Wood is famous for creating the paintingAmerican Gothic.
