Mary E. Humes

Mary E. Humes was an artist or documentarian active during a substantial period spanning 1855 to 1936. Her primary significance rests on her association with the Index of American Design (IAD), a major archival project dedicated to documenting American folk art and historical decorative objects. Fifteen works related to Humes are represented in museum collections, confirming her contribution to preserving records of historical American material culture.

Humes’s documented output reflects a focus on domestic items, apparel, and functional artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The documented works include textiles and domestic items, such as a Child’s Bonnet and two instances of Dress. Documentation also covers toys, notably the Doll: "Mary Scotia", and maritime folk art, including the Figurehead: "Jolly Tar". These detailed visual records provide invaluable insight into early American craft and design traditions.

The importance of Humes’s work is recognized by its preservation in major institutions, with works held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The archival nature of these records ensures that Mary E. Humes prints and documentation remain available for scholarly and public access. Given their age and historical nature, many of these Index of American Design records are available today as public domain resources, allowing institutions to distribute high-quality prints for research and appreciation.