The Lincoln Children by Susan Waters

Susan Waters' The Lincoln Children (c. 1845) is a charming example of American folk art, notable for its self-taught artist who earned her living through her craft. The painting depicts three young girls in plain dresses seated together, accompanied by a dog and a basket of fruit. Waters' straightforward style emphasizes clear outlines and flat colors, creating a naive yet engaging portrait.

Look closely at the children's props. The rightmost child holds an open book, suggesting literacy, while the central figure clutches a cluster of dark plums. A small, loyal dog sits at their feet, and a basket of ripe peaches rests nearby, all rendered with a charmingly direct folk art aesthetic.

Susan Catherine Moore Waters was a 19th-century American artist who worked in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. She was one of the few women of her time to support herself and her family solely through her painting, focusing initially on portraits before specializing in animals and still lifes. The Lincoln Children is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s collection.

This painting captures a quiet moment of childhood, inviting us to ponder the lives and personalities of these young subjects.