The Fable of the Miller, His Son and the Donkey No. 3
1860–61
Medium
Graphite on paper
Dimensions
3 5/16 x 5 11/16 in. (8.4 x 14.4 cm)
Classification
Drawing
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Gifts in memory of Stephen D. Rubin, 1992
Accession Number
1992.136.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
Elihu Vedder's *The Fable of the, His Son and thekey No. 3* (1860–61) captures a pivotal moment from Aesop's timeless fable, where a miller and his son learn the folly of trying to please everyone transporting their donkey to market. This intimate graphite drawing on paper, measuring just 3 5/16 x 5 11/16 inches, depicts houses, men, and the donkey amid a narrative scene, rendered with precise, delicate lines that showcase Vedder's early mastery of the medium. Created during Vedder's formative years in Europe—after studying in Paris and settling in Italy—the work reflects his emerging Pre-Rap...
About the Artist
Elihu Vedder · 1836–1923
Elihu Vedder was born on February 26, 1836, in New York City to Dr. Elihu Vedder Sr., a dentist, and his cousin Elizabeth Vedder. As a young boy, his family relocated to Cuba for his father's ventures, an experience that sparked his artistic aspirations amid the Caribbean landscapes. He later divided his time between a boarding school and his maternal grandfather Alexander Vedder's home in Schenec...