START WITH ART: American Gothic

We're starting every day with art (history!). You can too by simply adding our calendar to yours by clicking here then click "add."

We're starting our day by examining the well-known "American Gothic" pictured below. Take a look at the painting then read the questions to the students/children in your life and see how starting your day with art can ignite creativity and critical thinking!

Our kids had seen this painting in various pop-culture replications and recalled this specific episode of Spongebob Squarepants. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, our very own co-founder of Page of Art History, Jenna Hartzell, recalls seeing this mural when frequently visiting the Short North. 

Read the questions below to your student(s) and let us know their responses by tagging us on Instagram @pageofarthistory and/or the tag #startwithart 🖼️

Title: American Gothic

Artist: Grant Wood

Date:1930

Medium: Oil on Beaver Board

Dimensions: 78 × 65.3 cm

Start with Art Questions: 

• Who are the two people depicted in the artwork, and what do you think their relationship might be? What clues in the painting help you determine their connection?

• The man in the painting is holding a pitchfork. Why do you think the artist chose a pitchfork? What might the pitchfork symbolize or represent?

• "American Gothic" is often described as an iconic representation of rural American life. How does this painting make you feel about the people and the place it portrays?