Product Details

Provenance:
The artist Collection of Isabella Penn Smith Fleming
Thence by descent to the current owner
Property from the Estate of Paul Revere Jr.
Private Collection, New York

Isabella Penn Smith Fleming (1839-1910) was an American astronomer known for her work in astronomy and her contributions to the field. She was born on February 15, 1839, in Onondaga County, New York, and later became the first woman elected as a member of the American Astronomical Society.

Fleming worked at the Harvard College Observatory for over three decades, starting in 1879. She was hired by the director of the observatory, Edward Charles Pickering, as a “computer” – a term used for individuals, often women, who performed calculations and analysis of astronomical data. Fleming’s work primarily involved examining and cataloging stellar spectra.

One of Fleming’s notable achievements was the creation of the Draper Catalogue of Stellar Spectra, named after her predecessor, Dr. Henry Draper. This catalog, published in 1890, documented the spectral classifications of thousands of stars based on their spectral lines. Her work laid the foundation for the modern classification of stars.

Isabella Penn Smith Fleming made significant contributions to the understanding of stellar spectra and played a crucial role in the development of astrophysics. She passed away on May 10, 1910, leaving behind a legacy in the field of astronomy.

Julian Scott was born in Johnson, Vermont, and served as a Union Army drummer during the American Civil War, where he received America’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Lee’s Mills. He was also an American painter and Civil War artist.

Canvas: 20″ high x 16″ wide
Frame: 21″ high x 17″ wide

Very good condition, recently professionally cleaned.