Preview
Send
Share
Details
Download
Similars
X-Ray
DiaporamaThe Fable of the Miller, His Son, and the Donkey No. 9
Acrylic On Canvas- WallArt
- Symbolist Landscape
1867
17.0 x 27.0 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Read More
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Buy Print Buy Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (5 September). No compromise on quality.
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
The Fable of the Miller, His Son, and the Donkey No. 9
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 263
A Visionary Echo of Aesop’s Tale: Elihu Vedder's “The Fable of the Miller, His Son, and the Donkey No. 9”
Elihu Vedder stands as a singular figure in American Symbolist painting—a visionary artist who infused his canvases with classical allusions and moral contemplation, establishing him as a precursor to this influential movement. This particular artwork, “The Fable of the Miller, His Son, and the Donkey No. 9,” embodies Vedder’s distinctive approach, translating the timeless narrative of Aesop's fable into a breathtaking landscape steeped in Italian inspiration. Completed in 1867, it’s more than just a depiction; it’s an exploration of human folly and consequence rendered with masterful technique and imbued with profound emotional resonance.- Subject Matter & Narrative Context: Vedder brilliantly captures the essence of Aesop's fable—a cautionary tale about pride, ambition, and the importance of humility. The scene portrays a rugged Italian hillside dominated by imposing mountains, mirroring the challenges faced by the miller and his son as they attempt to impress passing critics with their donkey.
- Style & Technique: Vedder’s style aligns squarely within Symbolism, prioritizing mood and emotion over precise representation. He employs a technique known as Macchiaioli—characterized by bold brushstrokes and expressive color palettes—to convey the drama of the landscape and the psychological state of the figures involved. The artist skillfully utilizes tonal variation to create depth and atmosphere.
Color Palette & Composition: Capturing Italian Landscape Essence
The painting’s color scheme is rich and vibrant, dominated by earthy tones—browns, ochres, and greens—that evoke the rugged beauty of the Italian countryside. Vedder expertly utilizes color to heighten emotional impact, emphasizing the grandeur of the mountains and highlighting the donkey as a focal point within the composition. The placement of the figures contributes to the narrative tension, positioning them strategically against the backdrop of nature’s formidable presence.- Detailed Observation: Notice the meticulous rendering of the rocky terrain—a testament to Vedder's keen eye for detail and his commitment to capturing the textures of the natural world. The artist’s brushstrokes are loose yet purposeful, conveying movement and dynamism.
- Symbolic Significance: Beyond its visual beauty, “The Fable of the Miller” carries symbolic weight. The donkey represents innocence and vulnerability—a victim of human arrogance—underscoring the fable's moral lesson about accepting criticism with grace and avoiding excessive pride.
Emotional Impact & Legacy: A Reflection on Human Condition
“The Fable of the Miller, His Son, and the Donkey No. 9” transcends mere landscape painting; it’s a meditation on human nature—a poignant reminder that even the most noble aspirations can lead to ruin if unchecked by humility. Vedder's masterful execution captures not only the visual splendor of Italy but also the profound psychological complexities inherent in confronting societal judgment. This artwork continues to inspire admiration for its artistic merit and serves as a powerful emblem of Symbolist ideals.Explore this captivating piece of American art history with a high-quality reproduction from ArtsDot.com!
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
Early Life and Artistic Training
- Born: February 26, 1836, New York City, United States
- Died: January 29, 1923, Rome, Italy
Elijah Vedder was born into a family with unique circumstances – his parents were cousins. His early life was shaped by diverse experiences including time spent in Cuba due to his father's relocation and periods between his maternal grandfather’s home in Schenectady and boarding school. Despite initial reservations from his father, Vedder's artistic ambitions were supported by his mother.
- Early Training: Vedder began formal training in New York City under Tompkins H. Matteson.
- European Studies: He furthered his studies in Paris with François-Édouard Picot and later in Italy, where he was profoundly influenced by the Italian Renaissance and the Macchiaioli painters.
- Italian Influence: His time in Italy fostered a deep emotional connection with fellow painter Giovanni Costa, leading to travels before financial constraints forced his return to America.
Career Highlights and Notable Works
Vedder’s career spanned various artistic disciplines, from painting and illustration to mural design and poetry. He cultivated friendships with prominent figures like Walt Whitman and Herman Melville.
- Illustrations for the Rubaiyat: Vedder is best known for his fifty-five illustrations accompanying Edward FitzGerald's translation of The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam (deluxe edition). These illustrations are considered masterpieces of Symbolist art.
- Visionary Paintings: Notable paintings include "The Roc’s Egg," “The Fisherman and the Genii,” and “Lair of the Sea Serpent,” showcasing his visionary style and imaginative themes.
- Mural Work: He decorated the hallway of the Reading Room in the Washington Library of Congress with mural paintings.
- Tiffany Collaboration: Vedder collaborated with Louis Comfort Tiffany, designing glassware, mosaics, and statuettes for the Tiffany company.
Artistic Style and Influences
Vedder’s artistic style is characterized by its visionary nature, romantic imagery, and frequent incorporation of Oriental influences.
- Symbolism: Vedder was a key figure in the Symbolist movement, emphasizing emotion and individualism over strict realism.
- Pre-Raphaelites: His time in England exposed him to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, influencing his artistic style towards greater clarity and detail.
- English and Irish Mystics: He was influenced by the works of William Blake and William Butler Yeats, reflecting a fascination with mysticism and spirituality.
- Italian Renaissance & Macchiaioli: His studies in Italy shaped his understanding of form, color, and composition.
Legacy and Later Life
Vedder’s contributions to American art extended beyond painting. He helped establish the In Arte Libertas group in Italy and left behind a body of written work including autobiographical reflections and poetry.
- Membership: Vedder was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
- Literary Pursuits: He published The Digressions of V (1910), Miscellaneous Moods in Verse (1914), and Doubt and Other Things (1922).
- Later Years: Vedder spent his later years primarily in Italy, continuing to create art and write until his death in Rome in 1923. His legacy endures through his evocative paintings and illustrations that continue to captivate audiences today.
Elihu Vedder
1836 - 1923 , United States of America
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Symbolism, Romanticism
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- François-Édouard Picot
- Giovanni Costa
- William Blake
- William Butler Yeats
- Date Of Birth: February 26, 1836
- Date Of Death: January 29, 1923
- Full Name: Elihu Vedder
- Nationality: American
- Notable Artworks:
- The Roc’s Egg
- The Fisherman and the Genii
- Lair of the Sea Serpent
- Rubaiyat illustrations
- Place Of Birth: New York City, USA
Related Articles
Mario Sironi: A Poetic of Modern Italian Identity Through Symbolism & Social Commentary
Explore the profound works of Mario Sironi, a key figure in Italian Modernism. Discover his evolution from Futurism to Metaphysical painting and his powerful social commentary. Learn about his legacy at ArtsDot.
Giovanni Fattori: Realism, Identity & the Tuscan Landscape – A Macchiaioli Master
Explore the life & art of Giovanni Fattori, a leading figure of the Macchiaioli movement. Discover his revolutionary realism, captivating Tuscan landscapes, and lasting impact on Italian painting. Learn more at ArtsDot.
Carlo Carrà: Futurist Visions & Metaphysical Transformations in Early 20th-Century Italian Painting
Explore the artistic journey of Carlo Carrà, a pivotal figure in Italian Futurism & Metaphysical painting. Discover his dynamic compositions, collaborations with de Chirico, and lasting influence on modern art history.
Civic Virtue and Artistic Rivalry: Patronage and Innovation in the Italian Renaissance Republics, 1400–1600
Explore the Italian Renaissance! Discover how competitive patronage & humanist ideals fueled artistic innovation in republics like Florence & Venice. Expert insights for art lovers and collectors.
Venanzo Crocetti: A Study in Italian Modernism & Spatial Abstraction
Explore the captivating world of Venanzo Crocetti, a pivotal figure in Italian Modernism. Discover his iconic sculptures, public works, and lasting legacy – a must-read for discerning art collectors.
