American Gothic House, Eldon, IA - Philatelic Photographs on Waymarking.com

With the possible exception of “Whistler’s Mother,” “American Gothic” by Iowa native Grant Wood may be the most recognized American Painting. It was one of twenty works of art featured on a 1998 postage stamp issue entitled “Four Centuries of American Art.”

While teaching in the Eldon Iowa area (and looking for potential subject matter), Grant Wood found this house with a seemingly out-of-place Gothic-style window. He painted the house then returned to his studio where he added the farmer and daughter to complete the composition. Not only was the house real, but Wood also used his dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby and his sister, Nan as models for the farmer and daughter.

Today, at the house, there’s a visitor’s center which contains a small museum that chronicles the history of the house, the painting and the artist. They also provide various props such as pitchforks, aprons and overalls so that you can create your own version of “American Gothic.”

Stamp Issuing Country: United States Date of Issue: 27-Aug-1998 Denomination: 32c Color: multicolored Stamp Type: Single Stamp Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]

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