4 x 6 in. oil on board
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William Rickarby Miller was a notable English-born portrait and landscape painter who excelled in watercolor artistry. Hailing from Staindrop, County Durham, England, he made a name for himself in the art world with his unique style, distinct from the dramatic compositions of the Hudson River School painters. Miller’s work was cherished for its intimate and storytelling quality.
Early in his life, Miller received art training from his father, Joseph Miller, who specialized in animal and landscape painting. His artistic journey took an intriguing turn when one of his portraits attracted the attention of an anonymous benefactor. This patron’s support enabled Miller to pursue further artistic studies in London. In 1845, he embarked on a journey to the United States, accompanied by his sister and two brothers. They initially settled in Buffalo but soon made New York City their permanent home.
Establishing a career as an artist was not without its challenges, but Miller found success when he secured commissions for his watercolor paintings through the American Art Union. What set Miller apart was his keen eye for detail and a preference for capturing the landscapes of upstate New York. One of his earliest documented American landscapes, “Mountain Landscape, Buffalo,” was created in 1845.
Miller’s career gained momentum, and by 1853, he took on his first book illustration project for G. P. Putnam and Company, contributing to “Homes of American Authors.” His illustrations also graced the pages of popular illustrated publications like Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion and Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.
From 1851 to 1862, Miller worked out of his home at 1 Perry Street, and from 1868 to 1877, he resided in his studio in the Dodworth Building at 806 Broadway. While his magazine assignments began to decline in the late 1860s, Miller’s career was rescued through the support of individuals such as Henry W. Gear, an artists’ supplier, George M. Wing, an agent, and John L. Chambers, a secretary. Miller embarked on a project titled “A Thousand Gems,” an endeavor to compile a book on American landscapes, although the book never materialized. Nevertheless, the drawings he produced for this project contributed to his later oil paintings.
Miller was known for his discipline and prolific output, producing numerous watercolors, oils, and pen-and-ink sketches. His later life was marked by personal hardships, including a separation from his wife and children in 1867. He led a somewhat secluded life, dedicating his time to travel and the creation of rural scenes. It is believed that he passed away during one of his excursions in July 1893. Today, his works can be found in the collection of the New York Historical Society.
