A. J. Miller

[SPG]

Gentlemen,

In perusing several forums dedicated to our interest, especially those dealing with the fur trade, I've noticed some criticism of Miller's works as reference sources.

I'm puzzled by this as I have considered Miller's paintings to be very good reference. The man painted what he saw, and I personally see many little details that, due to doing many of the same activities, I recognize as being "right"...especially in regard to horse/ mule tack and packing.

I have always held C.M. Russell and F. Remington in high regard, but one must realize that much of what they painted came after the heyday of the fur trade, and so, is somewhat compromised as the artists did some interpretation.

Miller, I would think, for the student of the fur trade in the West, to be an extremely valuable and documentable reference for equipment and clothing of the period. I enjoy research and documentation, but freely admit that I'm not as experienced in this regard as many on this board.

Your thoughts?

Steve

[T.C.Albert]

Do you have Shawn Websters book yet? "In The Image Of Alfred Miller".
Its well worth having.
TC

[Joe Stein]

Most of the criticisms of Miller that I've seen are based on the fact that many of his paintings were done years after he went West.  The thinking is that they couldn't be truly accurate so many years after he observed the scenes.  I would think, but I don't know for sure, that his paintings are based on sketches he made of the scenes while he was on his excursions. 

[SPG]

T.J.
I have the 'The West of Alfred Jacob Miller' and have reckoned that the other books on his works, while I'm sure are very good, would be somewhat redundant if one has the original reference work. I may certainly be wrong on this...have you compared both books?

Joe,
Yes, I had assumed that Miller worked from sketches done in the field much as modern day artists work from photographs. One notices many small details in the paintings that no doubt would have not been remembered by an artist working entirely from memory years later.

Artist of the caliber of C.M. Russell could work from memory because of their intimate knowledge of the subject, and, as in the case of Remington, a very extensive collection of artifacts. Sketches done recording important features or details would be the most logical way for someone like Miller to do accurate portrayals and is exactly why I think his paintings are so valuable to the serious student of the fur trade in the West.

Steve