Pretty as a Picture

It's been a while since I've posted photos of my wanderings around the Art Institute of Chicago.  It's quite a remarkable place -- not only for housing some of the most famous artwork in the world, but just so much of its core works.  Besides which, the place is just so beautifully designed and laid out.

Still, it's hard not to focus on the famous works.  There's something bizarre to stroll around, turn a corner and suddenly see looming up before you an iconic work.  Something that we've all seen our entire lives, repeatedly and sometimes even in satirical ways, since they've become so much a part of world culture.  And then there it is, the real thing, right in front you.  And you walk up as close as you can to get an ever better look.

Like this.  "American Gothic" by Grant Wood.  The real one.  The original,