Priya Kapoor
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason worked from his Manhattan apartment. Viewers of the CBS News morning show noticed a painting of Piazza San Marco in Venice hanging behind him. Mason purchased the painting at an auction in the early 1990s in the former Soviet Union. In addition to this painting, Mason has a passion for art and has taken painting lessons at the Arts Students League of New York.
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What You'll Learn
Anthony Mason's passion for painting
Anthony Mason, a senior culture correspondent for CBS News, has a passion for painting. This passion was sparked by his stepfather, Henry Koehler, who is also an artist. As a child, Mason would watch his stepfather paint, and even took painting lessons to try and see the world through his stepfather's eyes and understand him better.
In the "CBS Mornings" "Never Too Late" series, Mason showcases his love for art. With guidance from his teacher, painter Sharon Sprung, Mason started with the basics. They chose to paint apples as a beginner's subject, and Mason was already thinking about composition and storytelling. He said, "They're almost like they're leaning into each other to me. What I'm always looking for in storytelling is a certain tension". After two lessons, Mason reflected on his work, saying that he may not have created a masterpiece, but something magical.
Mason's passion for art is also reflected in his appreciation for the decor of his home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mason worked from his Manhattan apartment, giving viewers a glimpse into his personal life and taste in art. A painting of Piazza San Marco in Venice, which he bought at an auction in the former Soviet Union in the early 1990s, was often seen over his shoulder and caught the attention of fans on social media.
In addition to his passion for painting, Mason also has a love for music. He has interviewed dozens of artists and has pursued his own artistic endeavours. Mason's dedication to art showcases his belief in the importance of creativity and self-expression.
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The story behind the JFK painting
CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason has a passion for art and has been taking painting lessons to follow in the footsteps of his stepfather, Henry Koehler, a renowned artist. In 2013, Mason stumbled upon a painting by his stepfather at an auction of John F. Kennedy's presidential memorabilia. The painting depicted President Kennedy and his wife sailing and was commissioned by the Kennedys themselves in 1963. Moved by the discovery, Mason bid on and successfully purchased the painting, reuniting his stepfather with his long-lost artwork after 50 years. Koehler's first response to seeing the painting again was, "Oh, it even looks like them."
The story behind Koehler's painting of the Kennedys is just as intriguing. After completing the portrait, Koehler received a heartfelt thank-you letter from Mrs. Kennedy, expressing how much the painting meant to her and that she would treasure it forever. However, a subsequent letter from Jackie Kennedy requested that Koehler repaint the picture to remove her from it and make the president "vague and far away." Koehler chose not to act on this request, and the painting remained unchanged.
The JFK painting holds significant historical value, and Koehler still keeps a file of correspondence related to it in his attic. The painting's rediscovery by Mason and its return to the artist shed light on the emotional connection the Kennedys had with Koehler's artwork. It also highlights the impact of art in capturing and preserving memorable moments in time.
The painting of President Kennedy and his wife sailing is a testament to Koehler's talent and the enduring legacy of his artwork. It serves as a reminder of the happier days for Mrs. Kennedy, as mentioned in her letter to Koehler. The story behind the JFK painting showcases the power of art to evoke emotions and its ability to connect people across time.
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The auction of the JFK painting
The JFK painting auction was a memorable event that brought to light a fascinating story. CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason, while covering the auction, stumbled upon a painting of President John F. Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy sailing. Intrigued, Mason discovered that the artist was none other than his stepfather, Henry Koehler, whom he had watched paint as a child. Koehler, at 86 years old, had painted the portrait 50 years prior when he was just 36 and it had been commissioned by the Kennedys themselves.
The painting, titled "Victura", held a special significance for Mrs. Kennedy, who expressed her appreciation in a heartfelt thank-you letter to Koehler. She wrote, "you will never know how much the painting of the Victura means to me, and I shall treasure it forever. You are right in saying it will serve as a constant reminder of happier days." However, a subsequent request from Jackie Kennedy asked Koehler to alter the painting, removing her from it and making the president "vague and far away." Koehler chose not to act on this request, and the painting remained unchanged.
The story of the JFK painting and its journey back to Koehler is a testament to the power of art in preserving memories and the unexpected ways in which the past can resurface. Koehler's talent and the Kennedy family's appreciation for his work are woven into the fabric of history, providing a glimpse into the lives of those involved. The auction of the JFK painting is not just about the sale of a piece of art but also about the emotional connections and stories that endure beyond the canvas.
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Mason's work-from-home setup
CBS News anchor Anthony Mason's work-from-home setup during the pandemic was in his Manhattan apartment. Mason's son Nick helped him assemble the studio equipment, which included a TV camera set up in the dining room. The painting of Piazza San Marco in Venice that Mason bought at an auction in the old Soviet Union in the early '90s was often seen hanging behind him.
Mason's home setup was not without its challenges. He experienced technical difficulties, such as when the prompter he had set up failed, and he had to read the scripted portions of the program from his laptop. Additionally, he joked about the confines of his apartment, saying, "Even a nice box gets old after a while."
Despite the challenges, Mason seemed to embrace the intimacy of broadcasting from his home. He chose not to turn his home into a "slick-looking TV studio," and his apartment decor was complimented by his co-hosts. Mason also seemed to have a sense of humour about the situation, pretending to be a mime "trying to get out of this box" during one of his broadcasts.
Overall, Mason's work-from-home setup during the pandemic was a combination of dedication to his work, improvisation, and a sense of humour in the face of challenges. He navigated technical difficulties, embraced the intimacy of broadcasting from home, and even offered a glimpse of his personal life, including his love for art, to viewers.
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Mason's career as a journalist
Anthony Mason is a senior culture and senior national correspondent for CBS News. He has been a frequent contributor to CBS Sunday Morning and his work appears across a variety of CBS News programs and platforms. Mason is one of the most experienced and versatile correspondents in television news. He has interviewed several US presidents, including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as prominent musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Paul McCartney.
Prior to joining CBS News, Mason worked at various television stations, including KJRH-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, and WCBS-TV in New York City. Born and raised in New York City, he graduated from St. George's School and Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1980.
Mason's career in journalism has been decorated with several awards. In 1985, he won the New York Associated Press Award for General Excellence of Individual Reporting on Vietnam Veterans. He has also won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement by a Reporter and the Pennsylvania Associated Press Award for Best Feature Story. In 2023, Mason was inducted into the New York Journalism Hall of Fame.
Mason's journalistic endeavours have also extended beyond traditional reporting. In 2008, he created and hosted the series "Life and Debt in America" for CBS Evening News, which earned him one of his seven Emmy Awards. Additionally, his series on crime writers, where he profiled over 40 authors, won the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America.
Throughout his career, Mason has contributed to various CBS programs, including CBS This Morning Saturday, where he served as co-anchor beginning in 2012. In 2019, he became a co-host of the popular CBS This Morning weekday program. On May 31, 2017, CBS News announced that Mason would become the interim anchor for the weekday editions of the CBS Evening News, replacing Scott Pelley.
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Frequently asked questions
The painting behind Anthony Mason at home is a painting of Piazza San Marco in Venice, which he bought at an auction in the old Soviet Union in the early 1990s.
Anthony Mason bought the painting because he didn't want to turn his home into a "slick-looking TV studio".
In 2013, Anthony Mason bought a painting of President John F. Kennedy and Mrs Kennedy sailing, which was painted by his stepfather, Henry Koehler.
Anthony Mason is a journalist and has been a correspondent and anchor for CBS since 1986.
Anthony Mason has a passion for art and has been taking painting lessons to pursue this interest.
