[Wooden Gothic House, Massachusetts]

1930

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions

13.3 × 11.1 cm

Status

In Museum Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-782953

Walker Evans was attracted to all things uniquely American, and this structure's mixing of architectural styles without regard for historical accuracy was certainly an American phenomenon. This bizarre house probably appealed to Evans because of its distinctive combination of Gothic Revival and Greek Revival elements. Obviously Gothic Revival, two large, side-by-side arches span the porch, echoed by the small arched window on the upper facade, complete with pointed shutters. The Greek Revival fluted columns supporting the upper story's porch appear inconsistent, suggesting that this home may have been altered in an attempt to adopt a more fashionable style. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Americans typically looked to catalogs and pattern books to determine the style in which they should build their homes. They often drew from various sources, choosing whichever elements they fancied. This eclecticism was especially appealing to Evans, whose quest for the typical often involved the many places Americans called home.