Early Life and Education

Mary Morris Vaux Walcott, an American artist and naturalist, was born on July 31, 1860, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a wealthy Quaker family. After graduating from the Friends Select School in Philadelphia in 1879, she took an interest in watercolor painting.

Career and Contributions

Mary Vaux Walcott is renowned for her watercolor paintings of wildflowers, earning her the title "The Audubon of Botany". Her work includes:

• Untitled (Autumn Leaves), a watercolor piece showcasing her skill in capturing the essence of nature, currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, United States.
• Perennial Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata), another example of her botanical illustrations, also found at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
• Bourgeau Rose (Rosa bourgeauiana), a watercolor painting demonstrating her attention to detail, available for viewing at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
• Bushpoppy (Dendromecon rigidum), an example of her work in capturing the beauty of flora, located at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
• Mexican Fremontia (Fremontodendron mexicanum), a watercolor piece highlighting her dedication to botanical art, also housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Personal Life and Later Years

In 1914, Mary Vaux Walcott married Charles Doolittle Walcott, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. She continued to paint wildflowers and participated in her husband's projects until his passing in 1927.

Legacy

Mary Vaux Walcott's contributions to botanical art are undeniable. Her work can be found in various collections, including those at Smithsonian American Art Museum, and her legacy continues to inspire artists and naturalists alike. View more of Mary Vaux Walcott's artwork on WahooArt. Learn more about Mary Vaux Walcott on Wikipedia.