American Gothic, 1930

Grant Wood, 1891-1942

Zinfandel, Lodi, California. (Cabernet Sauvignon also available)

American Gothic was painted in 1930 by Grant Wood and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Wood was inspired to paint what is now known as the American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa, along with "the kind of people I fancied should live in that house." It depicts a farmer standing beside his daughter - often mistakenly interpreted to be his wife.

The figures were modelled by Wood's sister Nan Wood Graham and their dentist Dr. Byron McKeeby. The woman is dressed in a colonial print apron evoking 20th-century rural Americana, and the man is holding a pitchfork. The plants on the porch of the house are mother-in-law's tongue and beefsteak begonia, which are the same as the plants in Wood's 1929 portrait of his mother.

American Gothic is one of the most familiar images in 20th-century American art and has been widely parodied in American popular culture.

Our Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and complex, but still easily approachable. Its dark cherry and toasted oak aromas tantalize the taste buds that will savour juicy black currant, raspberry and dark cherry flavours. This luscious, well-balanced, wine has a sweet middle palate that finishes with a lovely toasty oak component.

To see the original of this image visit the Art Institute of Chicago.

The license fee’s we pay to use this image help ensure that future generations are able to enjoy this work as we do today.