In 1930, Grant Wood painted one of the most iconic paintings known in the Gothic art community. Widely viewed, it has been acknowledged as an outstanding representation of the Gothic style. It is recognizable to most of the world.
An American artist trained in Germany, Wood was visiting another young artist John Sharp in Eldon, Iowa. One day while cruising the countryside, Wood noticed a farmhouse built in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. It belonged to Charles and Catherine Dibble. They built it themselves on a ninety-three-acre plot of land. The local roofing company was there helping Charles put on a new roof. That was the day Wood first took notice of the modest 504 square foot home.