American Gothic Dr. Byron H. McKeeby: Dentist and Reluctant subject of American Art William J, Maloney, D.D.S.
“N
ighthawks” by Edward Hopper, “Campbell’s Soup Cans” by Andy Warhol and “Whistler’s Mother” by James Whistler are among the most celebrated works of art in America. However, the most iconic of acclaimed pieces of American art is “American Gothic” by Grant Wood.
American Gothic became synonymous with the steadfastness and determination of America’s heartland, which would lead America through the trials and tribulations of the Great Depression. These qualities were personified by a male and a female at the center of the painting. The male model with the determined gaze grasping a pitchfork was Dr. Byron Henry McKeeby, a dentist.
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Artist Grant Wood offered few details about his iconic painting American Gothic, adding to the mystery that has surrounded it.
F E BRUARY 2 024
NEWS EDITOR
NYSDA OFFICERS
Chester J. Gary, D.D.S., J.D.
Anthony M. Cuomo, President Prabha Krishnan, President-Elect Maurice Edwards, Vice President Paul Leary, Secretary-Treasurer William Karp, Speaker of the House Gregory D. Hill, Executive Director
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Stuart L. Segelnick, D.D.S., M.S.
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Grates Stoll
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Jeanne DeGuire
ART DIRECTOR Ed Stevens
NEWS
Editorial and advertising offices are at Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370. Telephone (518) 465-0044. Fax (518) 465-3219. Email info@nysdental.org. Website www.nysdental.org.
Volume 37 • Issue 1
The NYSDA News (ISSN 1531684X) is published quarterly, in February, May, October and December, by the New York State Dental Association, Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370. It is available in digital form only and accessible online in the members-only section of the NYSDA website, www.nysdental.org, under publications.
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