The Intuitive Reasonings of Jessica

However, the European galleries, which include remarkable works by artists such as Titian, Monet, and El Greco, made the visit worth it. I also thoroughly enjoyed the American galleries, where "American Gothic" by Grant Wood can be seen. Seeing "American Gothic" in real life was the highlight of my Chicago visit this year. The painting is so well-known, so often parodied, and so ubiquitous in poster form that it is easy to overlook its aesthetic qualities. However, seeing it in real life will impress even an amateur art connoisseur.

As my family was leaving the Art Institute on Saturday afternoon, my mother remarked that she had read the plaque beside "American Gothic" and learned a great deal about it. As we discussed the artist's concept and the painting's background, I discovered that neither of my parents knew much about this iconic image of American life. Thus, I can presume that most of my readers would also benefit from learning more about one of America's most important paintings of all time.

During a visit to Eldon, Iowa in 1930, artist Grant Wood noticed a small house (shown below) in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. He imagined the type of people who would live in it, and proceeded to paint a representation of his idea of 19th century American life. Wood asked his sister and his dentist to pose for the painting. According to the plaque at the Art Institute (and most modern interpretations of the painting), the figures represent a farmer and his spinster daughter. However, according to Wikipedia, Wood's sister was embarrassed to be portrayed as married to a man twice her age, and spread the idea that the painting depicted a man and daughter, instead of a man and wife. Wikipedia claims that Wood remained silent on the topic.

"American Gothic" contains several symbols to further develop the representation of American life. The houseplants behind the woman symbolize her domestic duties, as does the apron she is wearing. The pitchfork held by the man alludes to his masculine role. The overalls that he is wearing also indicate his position.