Francis Davis Millet, a 19th Century Arts Leader: Artist, Writer, Administrator 

Francis Davis Millet was born in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, Most sources give his date of birth as November 3, 1846. However, a diary which he kept during his military service stated that November 3, 1864 was his 16th birthday, indicating birth in 1848.  The earlier date may have been used because, at fifteen, Millet entered the Massachusetts regiment, first as a drummer boy and then a surgical assistant, helping his father, who a surgeon in the American Civil War.

Millet worked as a reporter and editor for the Boston Courier following his graduation with a BA from Harvard, and then as a correspondent for the Advertiser at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Throughout his life Millet worked for a variety of international newspapers and for Harper’s magazine reporting on events and writing feature articles, which he illustrated himself.  Millet studied in Europe and  graduated from Harvard with a Master of Arts degree following his studies in Antwerp, Belgium at the Royal Academy of  Fine Arts.  In 1871, he was the first American student to win a silver medal from the Royal Academy, in his first year, and then received a gold medal in his second year. Millet’s studies at the Royal Academy earned him a Masters degree from Harvard to go with his Bachelors degree in Literature. Millet always loved writing and art. Consequently he looked, throughout his life, for positions where as a journalist he could write and illustrate his own stories.

Millet wrote extensively for many publications including Harper’s, as a feature writer and war correspondent. More than a passive reporter, Millet was regularly in dangerous places; he could be found assisting combatants with logistical challenges or completing lifesaving surgeries in the field.  Russia awarded him the Cross of St. Stanislaus and the Cross of St. Anne for military advice and exceptional service, respectively. The Romanian government awarded him the Iron Cross for bravery.

In addition to his work as a reporter, Millet also had a 30 year painting career and an illustrious career as an arts administrator and cultural leader in both England and the United States.  Millet was among the founders of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and was influential in the early days of the American Federation of Arts. He was instrumental in obtaining the appointment of Emil Otto Grundmann, an old acquaintance from his Antwerp days, as first head of the Boston school. Millet was involved with the American Academy in Rome, from its inception and served as secretary from 1904 to 1912. Often sought out for his leadership he was variously  a member of the National Academy of Design, a Trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Superintendent of Arts and Decorations for the 1893 Columbian Exposition.  He was also appointed by President Taft as the Chairman of the Niagara Falls Preservation Commission as well as founding member and vice chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, where he was key to the placement of the Lincoln Memorial on the Washington Mall and the selection of the architect and sculptor of the memorial, serving from 1910 until his death in 1912.

Millet left his work at the American Academy in Rome in 1912 to return to the United States, to fulfil some arts commissions, Academy of Design business and subsequently boarded the Titanic to reach the U.S speedly, following the urgent request of President Taft to return to DC for Commission business. His death was such a shock to the American arts and broader cultural community that a major memorial service was held in his honor and a fountain monument was erected on the lawn south of the White House.

Major museums and collections all around the United States, in England and Europe have collected paintings, drawings and illustrations by Millet, however the vast majority of his artistic output was sold to private collectors who appreciated the quality and sensitivity of his artwork and most of the work is still in private hands.