Frank D. Millet: His life and work

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Randy Bryan Bigham

Member
Here are URLs for images of paintings and other works by Francis David Millet:

painting, "The Window Seat" (1893)-

painting, "Between Two Fires" (date ?)-

photo, Frank Millet in 1893

photo, Panama Canal Completion Medal by Millet (1914)-

photo, General Warren stained glass window at Memorial Hall, Harvard University, by Millet for Tiffany (date?)-

photo, World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 prize boat named the "F.D. Millet" -

painting, "F.D. Millet House and Garden" by Sargeant (date?)-

Mark Twain painted by Frank Millet. Mark Twain quotations - G
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Randy Bryan Bigham

Member
This is a wonderful portrait. I'd read Twain was painted by Millet but had never seen it. I should have known it would be in Hannibal!
 
Shelley Dziedzic

Shelley Dziedzic

Member
The Lipkin link is absolutely BRILLIANT in layout and content- drop everything this instant and GO there! I love his quote about ostentatious women with little dogs leading husbands around like pet lambs aboard Titanic. Also was charmed with his painting "Wandering Thoughts"- I can identify -being one of the pew-warmer set! Thanks for all those luscious links.
 
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Bob Godfrey

Member
Frank Millet excelled in two fields, first as a journalist and war correspondent, later as an artist. His preferred subject was people, usually in groups, and his preferred style was one of almost photographic precision rather than impressionism, as seen in this example. He was well known as an artist in his own time and remains so. I daresay that most people who admire his work have no idea how he died, and would admire it no less if he'd passed away peacefully in his own bed. Ask an average member of the public to name an artist who was lost on the Titanic and the only name they will come up with is Jack Dawson.

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181218

Guest
wow he was good ! Can you get glossy books of his work - is he in that class of being known ?
 
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Bob Godfrey

Member
Well, he's not up there with the likes of Van Gogh and Rembrandt, and painting of this kind is much less fashionable these days when abstract and impressionist works are most in demand. Millet's paintings are on display in National collections like the Tate Gallery and the Metropolitan in New York, and you might find a pic or two in a glossy art history, but I doubt there are any books devoted solely to his work. If you want the real thing, you'd certainly need to pay at least a five-figure price. Well within the budget of a man of means like yourself, Miles, and don't forget that with every painting you get a free autograph on one corner.
 
Jon Hollis

Jon Hollis

RIP
> [I did quite a story about Frank Millet for T.I Some years ago. He amongs't other thing basica;;y invented Air Brushing back during the Chicago Worlds Fair. He also worked with LeFarge for the Trinity Church in Boston. His murals are still around in some Post Offices and State Government Buildings. If anyone is ever in East Bridgewater Mass, the Library there has a huge painting of his and all kinds of research materials. I had the pleasure of interviewing some of his realtives who had some of his paintings in the house but were not signed. I also was lucky enough to get to Broadway in the Cotswolds in England to view his home there and his part buddy artist John Singer Sargents studio which is still there. Cheers all Jon]
 
Dave Gittins

Dave Gittins

Member
Millet was very skilful. He was especially good at depicting fabrics and loved to paint women wearing long, full skirts with many folds. However, I'm sorry to say that he was one of the chocolate box school of painters. He painted things that were popularly considered 'arty' and they are almost always drawn from times other than his own. His A Difficult Duet depicts musicians of Mozart's time and his well-known Between Two Fires is a 17th century scene. He's really a pretty minor figure.

Quite a number of his paintings are online, so judge for yourselves.
 
Kyrila Scully

Kyrila Scully

Member
Try contacting ArtPrintCollection.com. While they do not currently offer Frank Millet's paintings, if you ask them to find some, they will go out of their way to do it.

I wouldn't mention his connection to Titanic, unless you want them to raise the price of the print.

Kyrila
 
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Brian R Peterson

Guest
To Miles,

No, I was not smoking dope at the time and I do not like the inference you make - that was both crass and uncalled for.

Brian
 
Jon Hollis

Jon Hollis

RIP
Brian, at least Miles didn't call you an Accordian Player (ref. AC). I have found quite a bit of sidebar wise cracks on this forum some even from the "administrators" so your not alone.
 
Inger Sheil

Inger Sheil

Member
It's a good idea to avoid jokes like that when you're not familiar with your interlocutor - even when meant without any malice, the humour is not always appreciated. A good deal of banter goes on with the board, but sometimes offence - even unintentional - can be caused.

I tend to agree with Dave G and Bob's assesment - there's certainly skill in his work and it is pleasant and decorative, but he's not in the forefront of innovative painters. His work reminds me quite a bit of Millais' later, post Pre-Raphaelite works...accomplished and commercially successful. If not exactly challenging or daringly original, there is some rather good portraiture and solid workmanship.

Brian, your photos and the accompanying story are very interesting indeed. Paul Lee might have some comments to make on them - this is an area in which he has some experience.
 
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