Clara Miller Burd

Provenance:

Private Collection, California

Exhibited:

Wilmington, Delaware Museum of Art, Reflections on American Women: Illustrations from the Eisenstat Collection, September 11-October 15, 1979

Stamford, Connecticut, Whitney Museum of American Art: Exhibited at the WMAA Fairfield County Branch, The Feminine Gaze: Women Depicted by Women 1900-1930, September 6-October 31, 1984

Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University, Dreaming Eyes of Wonder: Classic Children's Book Illustration, May 10-October 31, 1999

Lot Note:

Clara Miller Burd ranks among the most accomplished American illustrators of the early 20th century, celebrated for her luminous watercolor illustrations of classic children’s literature. She was one of only four women to illustrate Little Women and Little Men, alongside the author’s sister, Alice Barber Stephens, and Jessie Willcox Smith. The present illustrations were created for the editions published by the John C. Winston Company. In each scene, Burd captures the warmth, humor, and emotional nuance of the March family’s world with remarkable sensitivity.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Patchogue, New York, Burd displayed a strong aptitude for art at an early age. After enrolling at the National Academy of Design in New York in 1891, she quickly distinguished herself as one of the institution’s most gifted students, winning both a cash prize for excellence in painting and the prestigious Suydam Medal for life drawing in 1895. She later continued her studies in Paris at the Académie Colarossi, refining her sense of color and composition. Upon returning to the United States, Burd embarked on a notable career designing stained-glass windows. She worked first for Tiffany Studios before establishing her own studio, ultimately designing nearly two hundred windows. A debilitating injury that paralyzed her right arm forced Burd to abandon large-scale stained-glass commissions and ultimately redirected her career. Retraining herself to draw with her left hand, she turned increasingly toward illustration, where her refined sense of color and storytelling found a natural outlet. 

Unframed.
The board is hinged to the mat at the top edge in two places with linen tape. There is evidence of other previous tape mounting at all edges recto and verso. The board is toned and there are a few scattered stains in the margins. There are losses to the extreme corners, particularly at the bottom right. Additional images available upon request.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding. The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's. Please email adriannewolkenberg@freemansauction.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.