ED GOLDMAN: My Art-History Blunder

The Importance of Follow-Through

In my decades-long career, I've made numerous errors. If I were a woman with a penchant for wordplay, I'd rename myself "Mea Culpa." One such mistake was recently pointed out by Cynthia Adamson, a business development professional at S.D. Deacon and a loyal reader. She corrected my misattribution of the painting "American Gothic" to Norman Rockwell instead of Grant Wood.

Correcting the Record

The error was promptly corrected online, but it still appeared in the print edition of the Business Journal. This was particularly embarrassing because I should have known better. If I were D. Oldham Neath, the art curator at KVIE, I might reconsider inviting me back as an on-air "expert" during their annual art auction. I recently participated in two 30-minute segments, while my daughter Jessica Laskey, who works full-time at the station, was asked to do about ten segments. Perhaps the station is onto me.

The Role of Wikipedia

Many thanks to Adamson, who modestly added in her email, "Isn't Wikipedia great?" Indeed, Wikipedia is a valuable resource, but it also underscores the importance of double-checking facts, especially when they are so easily verifiable.

The Legacy of "American Gothic"

"American Gothic," painted by Grant Wood in 1930, is one of the most iconic images in American art. The painting depicts a farmer standing beside his daughter, often mistaken for his wife, in front of a house with a distinctive Gothic window. The painting is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago and has been parodied countless times in popular culture.

Interesting Stats

• "American Gothic" was first exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it won a bronze medal and a $300 cash prize (equivalent to about $4,500 today) (source).
• The painting has been parodied in various forms of media over 50 times, making it one of the most recognizable images in American culture (source).

Conclusion

Mistakes are inevitable, but the key is to acknowledge and correct them. Whether in business, sports, or art history, follow-through is crucial. And as always, a little humility and a lot of fact-checking go a long way.

For more insights on the importance of accuracy and follow-through, you can read the original article here.

This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a more detailed and nuanced perspective on the importance of follow-through and the legacy of "American Gothic.