Formal Analysis: The American Gothic is a painting by Grant Wood that was created in 1930. In the painting, the male subject is holding a hayfork and looking directly at the viewer however the woman subject is standing to the side of the male staring off into the distance. The male subject is wearing a white shirt with blue jean overalls and a navy blue blazer. The female subject appears to be wearing a dress over a button up collar shirt. The two subjects appear to be standing in front of a home possibly on a barn. Neither of the subjects show any emotion. Because of the setting and the clothing of each of the subjects it seems as though this portrait was created in modern Western times.
Contextual Analysis: In the painting, it appears to be a married couple who live on a barn during Midwestern times. Based on the painting it’s hard to depict exactly how the subjects relationship is because they don’t seem to show any emotion or connection between the two. It is said that the artist used his sister and the town’s local dentist as subjects in this painting, so the man and the woman aren’t actually in relationship at all.
Shabi, K. “American Gothic Meaning: Grant Wood Painting Interpretation & Analysis.” Legomenon, 24 December 2014, http://legomenon.com/american-gothic-meaning-grant-wood-painting.html. 1 March 2017.
Biographical Analysis: This painting was created based on the hometown in which the artist is from: Eldon, Iowa. The artist, Grant Wood was traveling to Chicago for an art exhibition looking for inspiration and he came across the home which is in the background of the painting and began working on his most famous work. Grant Wood moved from his hometown after the death of his father and moved to Cedar Rapids. This painting was created in the 20th century with a 19th century theme so the artist may have created this painting based on his perception of how the people in that town may have been at that time.
“American Gothic.” Totally History, http://totallyhistory.com/american-gothic/. 1 March 2017.
Personal Interpretation: In my opinion, this painting has always been so boring and bland. I never really understood the significance of this painting and why it was so famous. Without actually reading the background on the painting I feel like this painting is very irrelevant. It doesn’t have any emotion and it just seems like it doesn’t really hold any value or character at all.
However, on the other hand, it does help the viewer see how people looked and dressed during that time. It makes the viewer want to understand why the woman looks so upset and what is the farmer really looking at. This painting does raise a lot of questions of why but I guess that’s what makes it interesting. I feel like this painting would appeal to someone who is from that area or that time who would be able to understand and perceive this painting a little better. I still personally don’t care for the painting because it doesn’t spark my interest, he’s old and he looks mean and she doesn’t express any type of emotion and she looks mean as well.
Paintings are famous for all plethora of reasons, and I think the interpretation of why something is important can be lost to many people. The painting is not very complicated, and it does not really make you think. What is clear however, is that the brush strokes are precise, and the colors are well shaded.
The picture you presented is a great example in my opinion. I think it can be super confusing just looking at a picture and trying to depict what is going on during that time and what those people are thinking. The colors and the way the work was done was done quite elegantly if you ask me. I feel like the picture isn’t just all over the place. I do agree when you say you feel that it does not have any purpose because I can totally relate. Good job!
I like this painting because it is so realistic it is done in such great detail it is almost a picture. I think it shows a great deal of insight into rural living the people standing straight faced looking worn and tired but still standing tall.
I’m inclined to agree with Nicholas as I’ve always liked this painting. I think I enjoy parody’s of it better than the actual work though, which perhaps reflects a level of appreciation that’s more similar to your own. The painting is pretty straight forward and doesn’t provide a lot of challenges conceptually so I can see why the lack of engaging content might not be as inspirational as other works.