Grandma Moses

Who was Grandma Moses?

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known by her nickname of "Grandma Moses," was a renowned American folk artist. She is often cited as an example of an individual successfully beginning a career in the arts at an advanced age. Her family and friends called her either "Mother Moses" or "Grandma Moses," and although she first exhibited as "Mrs. Moses," the press eagerly dubbed her "Grandma Moses," and the nickname stuck. LIFE magazine celebrated her 100th birthday by featuring her on its September 19, 1960 cover.

Grandma Moses's paintings were used to publicize numerous American holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother's Day. Exemplary of her status, a Mother's Day Feature in True Confessions written by Eleanor Early noted how "Grandma Moses remains prouder of her preserves than of her paintings, and proudest of all of her four children, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren."

During the 1950s, Grandma Moses's exhibitions were so popular that they broke attendance records all over the world. The art historian Judith Stein noted: "A cultural icon, the spry, productive nonagenarian was continually cited as an inspiration for housewives, widows and retirees. Her images of America's rural past were transferred to curtains, dresses, cookie jars, and dinner ware, and used to pitch cigarettes, cameras, lipstick and instant coffee."