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Grant Wood’s
painting of “American Gothic” has become known
world-wide and attained fame as the subject of
universal parody. An extensive collection of these
caricatures can be viewed at the Grant Wood Gallery
in Anamosa.
The original “American Gothic” is owned and
displayed at the Chicago Art Institute. An extensive
collection of Grant Wood’s paintings is on permanent
display at the Cedar Rapids Art Museum and a large
area of the Davenport Art Gallery is devoted to the
artist’s work.
Grant Wood was born on a farm near Anamosa on Feb.
13, 1891. Grant displayed early evidence of his
artistic ability and upon graduation from high
school enrolled at the Handicraft Guild in
Minneapolis. His subsequently taught school,
attended night classes at the Art Institute in
Chicago, served in the Army and later was an
instructor at the University of Iowa. During this
period, he traveled to Europe several times. On hi
last journey, his contact with Flemish and German
primitive art forms resulted in his decision to
return and settle in Iowa to paint the scenes he
knew best in the style for which he become famous. |
