Famous painting created by
American artist Grant Wood in 1930. It depicts two
grim-faced
farmers, a man and his
spinster daughter, standing in front of their
home. The man holds a
pitchfork, and the house is built in what was called the "
gothic carpenter" style. The painting was
influenced by the
German and
Dutch primitive painters who Wood studied while traveling in
Europe. It includes fine
details, particularly in the
architecture of the
farmhouse.
The painting was an immediate
sensation and transformed Wood into a
celebrity. In fact, the painting remains one of the most famous -- and most frequently
parodied --
American paintings ever.
If I remember my
art history, the
models for the painting were Wood's
sister,
Nan Wood Graham, and his
dentist,
Dr. Byron McKeeby.