Decorated with moss-draped live oaks, Louisiana irises, and Southern pines, the crafts created by the ladies of Newcomb College during the first half of the twentieth century represent some of New Orleans’ most iconic and distinctive art. Founded in 1887 as an institution to prepare women to be financially independent community leaders, Newcomb quickly earned international acclaim for the striking variety of pottery, calligraphy, and other crafts produced by the students of its celebrated art department. In this collection of beautifully photographed images resides a history of the artwork that established the Newcomb movement as one of critical artistic importance.
Chronicled in these pages are photos from the collections housed in the Louisiana State Museum and the Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University. The images are presented with captions providing details on their origin and the date of creation. Devoid of commentary, the stark photos provide a clear record of the breadth of complexity and talent that defined the art of Newcomb College. From the most graceful of early Newcomb pieces awash in delicate hues of blue—with clear Art Nouveau influences—to the more modern pieces in natural and metallic tones embracing the geometric trends of mid-twentieth century modernism, these images provide a stunning record of an astounding achievement by the women of Newcomb College.