Mary Coulson at Sewing Machine
Artist
Frederick K. Coulson
(American, 1869–1931)
DateFebruary 1, 1891
Mediumcyanotype on cream wove paper
Dimensions24.8 x 29.2 cm (sheets), 25.4 x 20.5 x 2.0 cm (bound)
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineEliza S. Paine Fund
Object number2010.271.196
DescriptionPhotograph from an album of 208 cyanotypes on cream wove paper.Coulson's cyanotype of his mother recalls James Abbott McNeill Whistler's iconic image of motherhood. Mary Coulson is carefully positioned at a sewing machine, a tape measure around her neck and the results of her efforts, a well-tailored shirtwaist, displayed on the chair next to her. The backdrop includes a strategically placed calendar and framed image which appears to be of a greenhouse. Coulson often photographed members of his family, some in staged compositions such as this one, others much more spontaneous.
–"Frederick Coulson: Blueprints of a Golden Age," by James A. Welu, p.24, plate 3
ProvenanceLee Gallery, Winchester, MA
On View
Not on view
Frederick K. Coulson
December 12, 1900
