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Mary Agnes Reardon (1912–2002) was an influential Catholic liturgical artist known for her work as a painter, muralist, designer, and illustrator of children's books.
Educated at Radcliffe College and the Yale School of Fine Arts, Reardon graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1939. Further honing her skills in Mexico under the guidance of David Alfaro Siqueiros, Reardon mastered the technique of true fresco, leading to her creation of the United States' first true fresco at St. John Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts.
Her artistic contributions include significant works in various religious settings. Notably, she designed and painted the Guadalupe chapel and two transept ceilings at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and a triptych at the Cathedral of Mary our Queen in Baltimore, Maryland. Her early mural at Cabot Hall, Radcliffe College, and the decorative elements at the St. Louis Cathedral further showcase her versatility and commitment to integrating art with faith.
Reardon also illustrated seven children's books, with "Snow Treasure," written by Marie McSwigan, being among the most celebrated. This book, found in over 1,400 libraries as of 2015, highlights her ability to engage young readers through visual storytelling. Mary Agnes Reardon's legacy is marked by her significant contributions to both liturgical art and children's literature, reflecting her deep faith and artistic skill. Her work continues to be appreciated for its beauty and spiritual depth.
Collections of Reardon's papers and works are preserved in the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, Emmanuel College, and Massachusetts Historical Society.
