Bird with Spray of Flowers in Mouth

Artist/Maker Lewis Miller (1796-1882)

MediumWatercolor and ink on paper

DimensionsUnframed: 6" x 3" (15.2 cm. x 7.6 cm.)

Credit LineGiven through the generosity of Edward L. Goldsmith and Betty Stuart Goldsmith Halberstadt in memory of Betty Stuart Goldsmith

Object number1991.301.3

DescriptionA long-necked, red-footed fowl (goose?) stands on a branch and lifts its head upwards, with a large spray of colorful flowers and foliage emanating from its beak. At lower right, a small reserve is set over lettering.Inscription(s)In the lower right corner in ink is letter: "L. Miller."ProvenanceThe earliest phase of the descent of the large group of Miller drawings owned and donated by Stuart Goldsmith Halberstadt is not firmly documented, but it is believed that the group descended initially through the artist's niece, Emmeline A. Miller (1813-1892), who married, first, John Craig (1794-1852); thence, the drawings descended to the Craigs' daughter, Elinor Lewis Craig (1847-1892), who married William C. Flagg (1857-1925). The drawings then descended to the Flaggs' daughter, Mary Sherwood Flagg (1884-1973).
In her final illness, Mary Sherwood Flagg was nursed by her close friend, Betty Bealle, who married Edward L. Goldsmith. The drawings were given to Mrs. Goldsmith in gratitude and remembrance. They then descended to AARFAM's donor, Mrs. Goldsmith's daughter, Stuart Goldsmith, who married Jon Halberstadt.