An "AMERICAN GOTHIC" ... 1930
The
classic Grant Wood painting “The American Gothic” was exhibited
for the first time in 1930 at The Art Institute of Chicago. It was
awarded a prize of $300 and brought the artist instant fame.
The painting depicts a stoic Iowan farmer gazing unflinchingly at the viewer. His daughter, eyes averted, appears to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. It was painted during the Depression and many believe that the painting illustrates the strength and resolve that was needed at that time to simply survive. Others believe that Wood was satirizing the culture of the mid-west, an accusation that he denied.
The painting depicts a stoic Iowan farmer gazing unflinchingly at the viewer. His daughter, eyes averted, appears to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. It was painted during the Depression and many believe that the painting illustrates the strength and resolve that was needed at that time to simply survive. Others believe that Wood was satirizing the culture of the mid-west, an accusation that he denied.
“The
American Gothic” has become a part of our popular culture and the
couple has been the subject of many parodies...ranging from Mad
magazine, Disney characters and even a picture of Paul Newman and his
daughter (advertising their food stuffs).
Our
“AMERICAN GOTHIC” … 1970
My
family became part of this dubious group when we enacted our spoof in
1970. Granted (no pun, intended) we added three children to the scene
but the basic idea was the same. The pitchfork, by the way, was for
real!
posted by Goldendaze-Ginnie at 5:23 PM
4 Comments:
Great family photo!
I’ve seen that piece before but thought it was husband and wife!
I too thought it was his wife. I think the posing today's families do is clever. You nailed it.
We once took a photo of some relatives with this theme in mind.
Love your family portrait!
Actually, the people in Wood's painting were his sister and his dentist - neither a husband and wife nor father and daughter.
The apron and cameo belonged to his mother.
The building inspired the painting.
It is one of my favorites!
But your picture looks like more fun!
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