Alfred Jacob Miller

Place: Baltimore

Born: 1810

Death: 1874

Biography:

Alfred Jacob Miller was a prominent American artist, born on January 2, 1810, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is best known for his paintings of trappers and Native Americans in the fur trade of the western United States. Miller's work is characterized by its unique blend of realism and romanticism, making him a significant figure in the development of American art.

Early Life and Training

Miller was born into a family of nine children, with his father being a merchant and tavern keeper in central Baltimore. He attended a private school in Baltimore, John D. Craig's Academy, but did not receive formal art instruction there. Instead, he may have received his first lessons in art from Thomas Sully. In 1832, Miller traveled to Paris to study art, where he was admitted as an auditor to life drawing classes at the École des Beaux-Arts.

Artistic Career

Miller's artistic career spanned several decades, during which he produced numerous portraits and genre paintings in and around Baltimore. His work is notable for its attention to detail and realism, often capturing the spirit of the American West. Some of his most famous works include The Lake Her Lone Bosom Expands to the Sky, Camp Scene (Sioux), and Big Bowl (A Crow Chief). These paintings are now part of the collection at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.

• Miller's work is characterized by its unique blend of realism and romanticism.
• He was one of the first American artists to capture the spirit of the American West.
• His paintings are now part of the collection at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.
• Miller's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States, including the Wikioo.org.

Legacy

Miller's legacy is significant, with his paintings continuing to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. His work can be found in various museums and galleries, including the Walters Art Museum and the Wikioo.org. Miller's contributions to American art are undeniable, making him a pioneer in the development of American art. Important works by Miller include The Argali - Mountain Sheep, Snake Indians Shooting Elk, and Shoshone Indian and his Pet Horse. These paintings are not only notable for their beauty but also for their historical significance, capturing the spirit of the American West during the mid-19th century. In conclusion, Alfred Jacob Miller was a significant figure in the development of American art, with his paintings continuing to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. His work can be found in various museums and galleries, including the Walters Art Museum and the Wikioo.org.