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Secondary sourcePainting1914-1923

Watercolor Miniature of Millard Fillmore by Arthur J. Rowell

Arthur J. Rowell · 1914-1923

A small watercolor-on-ivory miniature portrait of Millard Fillmore, part of a presidential miniature series at the Taft Museum of Art.

This miniature depicts Fillmore as part of a series commemorating U.S. presidents, made long after his term in office.

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Photograph of a round miniature portrait of Millard Fillmore in a gold-colored oval-framed pendant case with a loop at top, displayed on an orange velvet background beneath a brass plate reading 'Millard Fillmore 1850-1853'. Fillmore is shown in profile facing right, with white hair, dark suit, and white collar.
Arthur J. Rowell, watercolor miniature of Millard Fillmore, 1914-1923. Taft Museum of Art.

About this source

What it is

This is a miniature portrait of Millard Fillmore painted in watercolor on ivory by Arthur J. Rowell, made decades after Fillmore's presidency as part of a series of miniature portraits of U.S. presidents. It is enclosed in a gilt-metal pendant case and held by the Taft Museum of Art.

Why it matters

The miniature shows Fillmore in profile, with white hair and formal dress, displayed in a decorative case. Such miniatures were a popular way to commemorate historical figures in a small, personal format, long after the events of their lives. This piece reflects how later generations chose to memorialize presidents.

Look closer

  • Why might an artist choose to paint a historical figure in profile rather than facing forward?
  • What does the decorative, jewel-like format of a miniature suggest about how it was meant to be used or displayed?
  • Since this was painted long after Fillmore's presidency, what might the artist have used as a reference for his likeness?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Millard Fillmore on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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