Mary Townsend Mason (1882-1964), Interior Scene with Figures 

Oil on canvas, depicting a scene lit by lanterns with silhouettes of three figures in front of a window. Signed verso. Circa 1900. 

Dimensions: 20in. x 26in. 

Provenance: From the estate of Mrs. H. Lea Hudson, daughter of the artist. 

Born in Zanesville, Ohio, Mary Townsend Mason first sought art classes at the Leachwood School in Norfolk Virginia, and later, at the Maryland Institute in Baltimore. She moved to Philadelphia to take courses at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), studying under the painters William Chase and Hugh Breckenridge. In 1909 she married to a distinguished lawyer, William Clarke Mason. 

She was awarded the Cresson European Scholarship from PAFA, two gold medals from the Plastic Club, and the Philadelphia Sketch Club Golf Medal, among numerous others over the course of her lifetime. Mary exhibited work at PAFA regularly from 1921 - 1964, and in many other institutions and events including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Venice Biennale and International Expo

She also posed for numerous studies and a portrait by friend and fellow artist, Violet Oakley. 

Several small canvas abrasions, needs cleaning.