Grant DeVolson Wood was born on a farm near Anamosa, Iowa, on February 13, 1891. He would become a leading figure in the Regionalist art movement, which captured the essence of rural American life in the early 20th century.

After the loss of his father in 1901, Wood’s family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was there that his passion for art began to bloom. He attended Washington High School and later pursued his studies at the Minneapolis School of Design and Handicraft in 1910. His unwavering dedication to his craft led him to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he diligently honed his skills in various artistic disciplines from 1913 to 1916.

Between 1920 and 1928, Wood traveled several times to Europe, where he immersed himself in different art styles. While he explored Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, the meticulous detail of 15th-century Flemish painters really spoke to him. He was particularly fond of Jan van Eyck, who influenced his technique. This inspiration is evident in the clarity and precision of his later works.

In 1930, Wood created the iconic ‘American Gothic.’ This masterpiece, portraying a stern farmer and his daughter in front of a modest farmhouse, became the face of the Regionalist movement. It resonated with people, bringing realistic depictions of rural American life to life. Its intricate detail and portrayal of Midwestern stoicism struck a chord with audiences nationwide, underscoring the power of art to mirror society and solidifying Wood’s reputation, now celebrated globally.

Legacy

Wood continued to produce art and had several notable paintings celebrating Midwestern themes, including “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” (1931) and “Daughters of Revolution” (1932). He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Stone City Art Colony in 1932, fostering a community for artists during the Great Depression.

In 1934, Wood joined the University of Iowa’s faculty and taught painting until his untimely death from pancreatic cancer on February 12, 1942, just a day before his 51st birthday. His painting “American Gothic” remains one of the most recognizable artworks in the United States.