Mary C. Davidson

Mary C. Davidson was an American artist active in the field of material culture documentation between 1935 and 1941. Her documented work places her within the Federal Art Project’s Index of American Design, an initiative established during the New Deal era to create a visual record of historic American decorative and folk arts. Davidson specialized in the detailed rendering of textiles, patterns, and clothing samples, contributing to the comprehensive archive of American craft traditions.

Eight index entries attributed to Davidson are held in museum collections. These renderings focus on the precise reproduction of early American fabric design and weave structure, providing critical documentation for researchers and historians. Notable examples include the studies Handwoven Linen, Printed Cotton, Woven Textile, and specific records such as Calico Prints from Costume and various Printed Swatches.

The significance of Davidson’s work is underscored by its preservation in major institutions, including the National Gallery of Art. Today, these documentary works, often available as Mary C. Davidson prints, are frequently featured in the public domain. These resources allow for broad access to high-quality prints that reflect historic American design and craftsmanship.