Grandma Moses

Date of Birth: September 7, 1860

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: December 13, 1961

Biography

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, was an American folk artist renowned for her nostalgic paintings of rural life. Born on September 7, 1860, in Greenwich, New York, she began her artistic career late in life, at the age of 78, after arthritis made it difficult for her to continue her embroidery work. Despite her late start, she quickly gained popularity for her vibrant and detailed depictions of the American countryside. Her works captured the simplicity and charm of rural life, often illustrating scenes such as farm activities, seasonal changes, and holiday celebrations. Grandma Moses’ art was characterized by its vivid colors, straightforward compositions, and a keen attention to detail. She became an iconic figure in American art, beloved for both her paintings and her embodiment of the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. Grandma Moses’ career flourished during the 1940s and 1950s. Her paintings were exhibited internationally, and she appeared on the covers of magazines like Time and Life. She continued to paint until her death on December 13, 1961, leaving behind a legacy of over 1,500 works of art.

5 Interesting Facts about Grandma Moses

1. Grandma Moses started painting at the age of 78.

2. She created over 1,500 paintings in her lifetime.

3. One of her paintings, “Sugaring Off,” sold for $1.2 million in 2006.

4. She was featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1953.

5. Her artwork was showcased in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Grandma Moses

1. “I paint from the top down. From the sky, then the mountains, then the hills, then the houses, then the cattle and then the people.”

2. “Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”

3. “If I hadn’t started painting, I would have raised chickens.”

4. “I look back on my life like a good day’s work, it was done and I feel satisfied with it.”

5. “I don’t advise any one to take it [painting] up as a business proposition. But if it keeps you from brooding and gets you out of the house, I don’t see that it does any harm.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Grandma Moses is estimated to be around $1 million at the peak of her career.

Children

Grandma Moses had ten children with her husband Thomas Salmon Moses, though only five survived infancy. Their names were Winona, Forrest, Lloyd, Hugh, and Anna.