Marian Curtis Foster

Marian Curtis Foster was an artist active between 1935 and 1940, primarily affiliated with the Index of American Designs (IAD). The IAD was a significant initiative within the Federal Art Project established to record and preserve the history of American decorative and folk art traditions. Foster’s contributions focused specifically on the meticulous documentation of American textile arts and designs.

Thirteen documented works by Foster are represented in institutional holdings, confirming her role in recording American domestic craftsmanship. Her catalog consists entirely of renderings of historic quilts and coverlets. Specific examples include two distinct studies titled Applique Quilt, a Crib Coverlet, an Embroidered Applique Quilt, and the detailed study known as the Eagle and Stars Bedspread.

The documentation of these historical textile patterns establishes Foster's work as a valuable resource for design historians. Today, these high-quality prints of American folk art are held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Art. Due to their documentation purpose and historic context, many of the renderings completed by Foster are now available in the public domain, ensuring continued accessibility for researchers seeking Marian Curtis Foster prints.