Part of our ongoing series about people throughout history who have achieved great things after their 40th birthday.

Grandma Moses was a remarkable American folk artist whose life and work left an indelible mark on the art world. Not only did she lead a fascinating life and produce wonderful art, she achieved fame as a self-taught painter in her late seventies.

Born in Greenwich, New York, in 1860, Anna Mary Robertson Moses spent most of her life working as a homemaker and farmer in rural New York State. She married Thomas Moses and raised a family of ten children. Her early life was marked by the daily tasks of farm life, and her artistic talents remained dormant for many years.

It was not until the late 1930s, while in her late seventies, that she embarked on her artistic journey. Arthritis had made embroidery and other traditional needlework increasingly challenging for her, so she turned to painting as a creative outlet. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation.

Her art was deeply rooted in her experiences of rural life. She painted scenes of the countryside, farm life, and the changing seasons. Her style was characterized by a simplicity that endeared her to the public. Her works were filled with bright colors, intricate details, and a sense of nostalgia for days gone by. One of her most famous paintings, “The Sugaring Off,” depicted a quintessential winter scene of a rural sugar harvest.

Grandma Moses quickly gained recognition for her unique and heartwarming art. In 1940, her work was discovered by a New York art collector, Louis J. Caldor, and subsequently exhibited at the prestigious Galerie St. Etienne. This marked the beginning of her rise to fame in the art world.

Over the next few years, Grandma Moses became a household name in America. Her paintings were celebrated for their simplicity, charm, and the way they captured the essence of rural life. Her popularity extended well beyond the art world, and her work was featured on Christmas cards, calendars, and other merchandise. She continued to paint prolifically, producing hundreds of works, even into her nineties.

Her success and recognition underscored the fact that art knows no age limits. Grandma Moses broke the traditional barriers of what was expected of artists. Without any formal training, she began her journey into painting in her late seventies, proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passion and leave a lasting legacy.

Grandma Moses passed away in 1961, leaving behind a rich and heartwarming collection of artwork that continues to inspire and delight people around the world. Her contribution to the world of art serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the ability to find beauty in the simplicity of everyday life. Her contributions to the world in general are a testament to the fact that it is never too late to start a new chapter in life.

By Steven Roberts