Lucy Myers Wright Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucy Myers Wright Mitchell
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Syria, 1867. Age 22
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Lucy Myers Wright
March 20, 1845 Urumiah, Persia
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| Died | March 10, 1888 (aged 42) |
| Alma mater | Mt. Holyoke College (left 1864, no degree) |
| Occupation | Classical archaeologist, historian, author |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Art Institute of Chicago (advisor) Imperial German Archaeological Institute (1884) |
| Influences | Johannes Overbeck |
Lucy Myers Wright Mitchell (born March 20, 1845 – died March 10, 1888) was an American writer, historian, and a leading expert on ancient art. She was one of the first Americans to write a major book about classical sculpture. She was also one of the first women to study classical archaeology, which is the study of ancient cultures through their art and objects.
A Pioneer in Ancient Art
Lucy Myers Wright Mitchell was a very important American scholar. She helped people learn about ancient art and history. She was one of the first women to become an expert in classical archaeology. This field studies old civilizations by looking at their art, buildings, and tools.
Her Early Life and Studies
Lucy was born in a place called Urumiah in Persia on March 20, 1845. Her father, Austin Hazen Wright, was a missionary and scholar. Her brother, John Henry Wright, also became a famous scholar.
Lucy attended Mount Holyoke College in the United States. Later, she moved to Germany with her husband, Samuel S. Mitchell, who was an artist. They eventually returned to Massachusetts.
Her Famous Book
Lucy Mitchell wrote a very important book called A History of Ancient Sculpture. It had two parts and was 766 pages long. The first part talked about how ancient sculpture began in Ancient Egypt. The second part, Selections of Ancient Sculpture, had many pictures.
A famous archaeologist named Stephen L. Dyson said that Mitchell’s book was "the first general American text on ancient art." This means it was the first big book written in America that taught people about ancient art.
Why She Matters
Lucy Myers Wright Mitchell was a trailblazer. She opened doors for other women in the field of archaeology. Her work helped many people learn about the art and history of ancient times. She showed that women could be leading experts in important academic fields.
