Origins & Early Life

Grant DeVolson Wood (February 13, 1891 – February 12, 1942) was an American artist and representative of Regionalism, best known for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest. He is particularly well known for American Gothic (1930), which has become an iconic example of early 20th-century American art. Wood was born in rural Iowa, 4 mi (6.43 km) east of Anamosa, on February 13, 1891, the son of Hattie DeEtte Wood (née Weaver) and Francis Maryville Wood. His maternal grandparents worked as innkeepers and his paternal grandparents were slaveholders in Virginia.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Hattie moved the family to Cedar Rapids after Francis died in 1901. Soon thereafter, Wood began as an apprentice in a local metal shop. After graduating from Washington High School, he enrolled in The Handicraft Guild, an art school run entirely by women in Minneapolis in 1910. In 1913, Wood enrolled at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied from 1913 to 1916. Wood also performed some work as a silversmith.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Near the end of World War I, Wood joined the army, working as an artist designing camouflage scenes as well as other art. From 1919 to 1925, Wood taught art to junior...

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• 1891 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1891
• February 13 (02-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 13
• 1942 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1942
• February 12 (02-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 12