During his apprenticeship at the Farm Security Administration (F.S.A.) in 1942, Gordon Parks (1912-2006) met janitor for the F.S.A. building Ella Watson, the sitter of the present lot. After getting to know Watson and hearing about her struggles, Parks was inspired to create his first extended picture story for which he continued to photograph Watson over several months.

The resulting series of more than 50 images, of which American Gothic was the culmination, was a breakthrough for Parks’ career. By capturing the daily life of Watson and others, Parks provided an intimate look into the black experience during segregation. Layered yet easily comprehendible, American Gothic communicates deep-rooted injustices with the simplest of means: a flag, a woman, a broom, and a mop. Its visual symmetries to other iconic images of Americana, including Grant Wood’s 1930 painting of the same title, strengthen the impact of Parks’ commentary on the racial and socioeconomic hierarchies that plagued the nation during this time.