Study of Cosmos
late 19th century
Classification
nature studies
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Starling W. Childs and Ward Cheney
Accession Number
1937-59-8
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Study of Cosmos** by Sophia L.field (American, 1862–1929) offers a captivating glimpse into late 19th-century American studies. Created during an era when artists increasingly turned to the natural world for inspiration—blending scientific precision with aesthetic beauty—this work reflects the Victorian fascination with botany. Crownfield, active amid the rise of women in the arts, specialized in such detailed observations, capturing the delicate forms of flora like the cosmos flower, known for its starburst petals and airy elegance. Classified as a nature study and housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, the piece was generously gifted by Starling W. Childs and Ward Cheney. Though the medium remains unidentified due to ongoing research, its significance lies in documenting natural specimens with an artist's eye, contributing to both artistic and scientific legacies. These studies often served educational purposes, adorning parlors or aiding botanists in an age before widespread photography. Visitors to our virtual gallery will appreciate how Crownfield's work bridges art and nature's quiet wonders, inviting reflection on the enduring appeal of the cosmos as a symbol of cosmic harmony in miniature. (198 words)