Born in 1733, Mary Moser’s father, George Michael Moser (1706-1783); an accomplished Swiss engraver, taught and nurtured her impressive talent and she exhibited her work when only 14. Throughout her life she would become recognised for her beautifully detailed flower works, as well as becoming one of only two female founding members of the Royal Academy. In 1771, fellow member Johann Zoffany (1733-1810) painted a group portrait of the founders, in which neither Mary or Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807) were actually “present” in. At the time, it was considered immodest for women to be close to nude male models. Instead, Zoffany painted them symbolically with their own portraits hanging on the wall (seen to the right).
The Portraits of the Academicians of the Royal Academy, 1771-72, Johann Zoffany (1733-1810)
Royalty was not blind to Mary’s talents, because around 1792, Queen Charlotte commissioned her to decorate a floral room in the Frogmore House. This room is known today as the Mary Moser Room.
Mary was a renowned artist during her time, and a bit of a scandalous one at that. After marrying in the 1790′s, she retired her professional name and only entered in amateur exhibitions under her married name. She died in 1819, at the age of 74.
Above: Both titled A Vase of Flowers (1792-97), by Mary Moser (1744-1819)
