American Gothic: The Biography of Grant Wood's American Masterpiece

by Thomas Hoving, Grant Wood

The story behind one of the most famous paintings in American art.
The stern, sober countenance of the elderly farmer. The quiet, loyal character of his prim wife. Few other paintings are so instantly recognizable as Grant Wood's masterpiece "American Gothic." Bestselling Chicago author Thomas Hoving brings to life Wood himself and illuminates, as only he can, the allure of this iconic painting. This is the lively biography of Grant Wood, whose roots grew deep in the heartland of America, a poor kid in a small Iowa town. His painting was a reflection of the place where he lived and the world he knew. It is also a biography of the painting itself, from its inspiration, to its controversial unveiling at a juried exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago-where it earned derision, praise, and a bronze medal-to its eventual acceptance and recognition as a true original work of art. Today it ranks with the Mona Lisa and Edvard Munch's The Scream as one of the most well-known (and parodied) paintings in the world-and it remains a beloved piece of Americana.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, History

165 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2005

About the author

Thomas Pearsall Field Hoving was an American museum executive and consultant, best known for serving as the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

His books primarily focus on art-related subjects, including art forgeries, Grant Wood, Andrew Wyeth, Tutankhamen, and the 12th-century walrus ivory crucifix known as the Bury St. Edmunds Cross. His memoir, Making the Mummies Dance, details his years at the Met.

Reviews

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I sure wish I had had this book for reference during my college Art Appreciation classes. The title says it all - it is the biography of the painting itself, plus information on the painter.

Although nonfiction this book reads like a good fiction story. It tells how this painting came about, what lay people thought about it, where it traveled, how it was criticized, what the critics thought, who posed for the painting and even told about the knock offs painted in jest. Then it gives you a bio of Grant Woods, the painter.

One reason this was more enjoyable for me is because Woods was from my area. Many of his paintings - landscapes especially - were painted of areas that I know well in eastern Iowa. Worth my time to learn a bit more about a painting I studied in college and about a man who lived in my own proximity.

[Bryan--The Bee’s Knees · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hoving provides some interesting tidbits on not only the painting, but on art appreciation in general and Grant Wood's life in particular. His loose and jocular style was not exactly what I was expecting, but it conveyed his meaning well enough, even if there were times it seemed a little patronizing. But, in the end, all but ardent fans of Grant Wood or his most famous painting are going to learn some things, if not a lot of things. I think my biggest takeaway from the book was a sense of Twilight Zone strangeness on seeing a photograph of Byron McKeeby, the model for the man. I had never thought far enough beyond the painting to think of who might have been the inspiration--I guess I just thought Wood plucked him out of his imagination.

Very short book--could have been condensed into a magazine article. With the padded endnotes, the book totals out to about 170 pages, but Hoving's text tops out under 130. Still, recommended for art enthusiasts and fans of Americana

[KayLee Parson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a whole book on one single piece of art sounded daunting when I first picked this up but WOW I’m so happy I did and I can’t wait to see what other books Hoving has written. It is organized in such a great way, with chapters taking you through this journey of understanding the visual details, history, and background of this work and the artist. I loved it and have such a deep appreciation for this painting now!

[T.E. Antonino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire book was about one painting "American Gothic." At first glance the painting looks like a farmer and his wife, but a closer look reveals so much more. For instance the man's coat in the picture is a Sunday best coat, not a normal farmers coat. The author did a great job of keeping the book interesting from beginning to end. The book is written in a straight forward manner, so your able to follow the flow of the book easily. This book is a great book for aspiring artists and for those who are interested in how professionals place value on art. Happy Reading!

[Jan Duncan-O'Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to re-read this one. I remember liking it (Hoving is an art expert and clear writer) just after viewing the Grant Wood exhibition in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Wood was far more talented than other regionalists of the day and is dismissed too easily.

[Caryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the details of this painting and of the artist, Grant Wood. It was insightful and included details that make the viewing experience more enjoyable. I have viewed the original several times and will again soon.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history as well as insight into an iconic work of art.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent introduction to looking at paintings for the common viewer.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Sierra Tribbett-Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but interesting read. Fitting that I read this while I keep getting a tiktok ad of a CGI’d version of the American Gothic farmer telling me to buy Heinz bbq sauce.

This was a refreshing look at an artist’s inspiration to create, and the ways in which the original intent of that creation can be widely misinterpreted. In an era of AI garbage and soulless commercialization, I’m reminded that that drive to make art will never truly be lost.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diverting, sometimes entertaining discussion of the iconic painting and the myriad reactions to it.