Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Mary Vaux Walcott died in 1940; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2010.
In context
Pseudocymopterus montanus — Mary Vaux Walcott
The original measures 26 × 18 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Shaded: the lifetime of Mary Vaux Walcott (1860–1940) ▲ this work, 1938
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: wahooart.com/en/art/similar/mary-vaux-walcott-pseudocymopterus-montanus-AQSACE-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #efead7
Catalogued palette
About this artwork
Pseudocymopterus montanus — Mary Vaux Walcott
The Mary Vaux Walcott painting, Pseudocymopterus montanus, is a stunning example of botanical art. Created in 1938, this watercolor on paper piece measures 26 x 18 cm and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. As a professional expert in Art and salesman for https://AllPaintingsStore.com, I can appreciate the intricate details and beauty of this piece.
Mary Vaux Walcott was an American artist and naturalist known for her watercolor paintings of wildflowers. She is often referred to as the "Audubon of Botany" due to her extensive work in the field. Born in 1860, Mary Vaux Walcott developed a passion for art and nature at a young age. Her work took her on numerous expeditions to the Canadian Rockies, where she would study and paint the local flora.
Pseudocymopterus montanus is a prime example of Mary Vaux Walcott's skill as a botanical artist. The painting features a plant with red flowers, meticulously rendered in shades of pink and green. The level of detail and accuracy in the piece is a testament to Mary Vaux Walcott's dedication to her craft. As a salesman for https://AllPaintingsStore.com, I can attest that this painting would make a beautiful addition to any art collection.
View more of Mary Vaux Walcott's work on https://AllPaintingsStore.com, including Pseudocymopterus montanus
Learn more about the Smithsonian American Art Museum and its collection on /art/list/?Filter=A@D3BE49-The-Smithsonian-Museums-and-their-Art-Collections
Pseudocymopterus montanus is a masterpiece of botanical art that showcases Mary Vaux Walcott's skill and dedication to her craft. As a professional expert in Art, I highly recommend this piece to anyone interested in botanical art or the work of Mary Vaux Walcott.
For those looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their home or office, a handmade oil painting reproduction of Pseudocymopterus montanus would be an excellent choice. https://AllPaintingsStore.com offers high-quality reproductions of this piece, carefully crafted by skilled artists to capture the beauty and detail of the original.
Artist and museum
Born in Philadelphia, United States of America
Born into the refined world of Philadelphia’s Quaker society in 1860, Mary Morris Vaux seemed destined for a life of quiet domesticity. Yet, from an early age, a vibrant artistic spirit stirred within her, ignited by a simple gift – a set of watercolor paints at the tender age of eight. These weren't merely tools for recreation; they were keys unlocking a lifelong passion for capturing the delicate beauty of the natural world, particularly wildflowers. Little could anyone have predicted that this early inclination would blossom into a remarkable career, earning her the affectionate title “the Audubon of Botany.” Her story is not simply one of artistic talent, but also of resilience, scientific curiosity, and a pioneering spirit that defied societal expectations. The weight of familial responsibility fell upon young Mary after her mother’s death in 1880, compelling her to dedicate herself to caring for her father and two younger brothers. This devotion didn't extinguish her creative flame; rather, it fueled a deep connection with the landscapes they explored during their annual summer expeditions to the Canadian Rockies.
These journeys were transformative. The rugged grandeur of the Canadian Rockies became Mary’s artistic laboratory. Alongside her brothers, she didn't merely observe the landscape; she meticulously documented it – studying mineralogy, charting glacial movements through drawings and photographs, and immersing herself in the intricate details of alpine flora. This wasn’t passive observation but active engagement with the scientific underpinnings of nature. It was during these expeditions that Mary began to hone her skills as a botanical illustrator, initially at the request of botanists eager for accurate depictions of rare species. Her approach was revolutionary for its time: she rendered plants to scale, showcasing their delicate structures and vibrant colors with unparalleled precision. Unlike many floral paintings of the era, which often romanticized or stylized their subjects, Walcott’s work prioritized scientific accuracy alongside artistic expression. The vastness of the landscape also fostered a spirit of adventure; in 1900, she became the first woman recorded to summit Mount Stephen, a feat that underscored her physical courage and unwavering determination.
Mary’s life took another significant turn in 1914 when she married Charles Doolittle Walcott, then Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and a renowned paleontologist. This union wasn't merely a personal connection; it was a meeting of minds deeply committed to scientific exploration. Their marriage fostered a unique partnership where art and science intertwined seamlessly. They continued their annual expeditions to the Rockies, with Charles pursuing his geological research while Mary dedicated herself to her botanical paintings. These weren’t separate endeavors but complementary pursuits, each enriching the other. The Smithsonian Institution became a crucial platform for showcasing Mary's work, culminating in the publication of North American Wild Flowers in 1925 – a monumental five-volume collection featuring over 400 of her meticulously crafted illustrations. This publication cemented her reputation as a leading botanical artist and earned her the enduring moniker “the Audubon of Botany,” acknowledging the parallel between her detailed floral studies and John James Audubon’s iconic depictions of birds.
Mary Vaux Walcott's influence extends far beyond the beauty of her paintings. Her work represents a unique synthesis of artistic skill, scientific observation, and adventurous spirit. She wasn’t simply documenting flowers; she was capturing their essence, revealing their intricate structures, and celebrating their vital role in the natural world. Her illustrations continue to be valued by both art enthusiasts and botanists alike, serving as invaluable resources for identifying and studying North American flora. Beyond her artistic achievements, Walcott also demonstrated a commitment to public service, serving on the federal Board of Indian Commissioners from 1927 to 1932 and actively advocating for improved conditions on Native American reservations. Upon her death in 1940, she bequeathed a substantial sum to the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring that future generations would benefit from scientific research and publication. A mountain peak in Jasper National Park, Mount Mary Vaux, stands as a lasting tribute to her adventurous spirit and enduring legacy. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how passion, dedication, and a deep connection with nature can blossom into a life of remarkable achievement.
Pioneering Botanical Illustration: Renowned for her scientifically accurate and artistically exquisite watercolor paintings of wildflowers.
“The Audubon of Botany”: Affectionately known by this title, recognizing the significance of her work in botanical art.
North American Wild Flowers (1925): Publication of a five-volume collection showcasing over 400 of her illustrations, solidifying her reputation.
First Woman to Summit Mount Stephen: A testament to her adventurous spirit and physical endurance.
Contributions to Glacial Geology: Documented glacial recession in the Canadian Rockies alongside her brothers, providing valuable data for climate change studies.
Philanthropic Legacy: Bequeathed a significant sum to the Smithsonian Institution to support scientific research.
wahooart.com/en/art/download/mary-vaux-walcott-pseudocymopterus-montanus-AQSACE-en/
Look closely
Pseudocymopterus montanus — Mary Vaux Walcott
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.