Mary Russell Smith

American (1842 - 1878)

Mary Russell Smith was the daughter of artists Russell and Mary Smith and sister of marine artist Xanthus Smith. Born in Pennsylvania in 1842, she was educated at home by her mother who taught her to draw and paint, and traveled with her family to Europe on several painting trips. Smith exhibited her works at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, the National Academy of Design and in the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876. Smith was best known for her barnyard scene, notably of chickens, which she raised throughout her life. Her works are well rendered and were avidly collected in Philadelphia. Smith’s works are held in the collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art.