Gratz Gallery presents “Peter Miller - Forgotten Woman of American Modernism” Peter Miller, "Three Spirits," c. 1940, oil on canvas. From April 23 to May 31, 2022, the Gratz Gallery in Doylestown presents "Peter Miller - Forgotten Woman of American Modernism," an exhibition recalling the life and work of Peter Miller, born Henrietta Myers. Source: Gratz Gallery, Doylestown, USA. · Image: Peter Miller, "Three Spirits," c. 1940, oil on canvas. Born in 1913, Henrietta Myers adopted the name Peter Miller after marrying Earle Miller in 1935, hoping that a male name would help her overcome the sexism that existed in the society of her time. In a press release, the Gratz Gallery explains that Miller "attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1933. To demonstrate her passion and determination, she wrote in her application that ‘she would rather fail at painting than succeed at anything else in life’ (…) Thinking she might be taken more seriously by fellow artists, collectors, and critics with a male sounding name, she was hoping to enhance her career in a world heavily dominated by men. Peter came from a very affluent family in Hanover, Pennsylvania and later settled at Rock Raymond Farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She designated the 350 acre farm and property to be donated to the Brandywine Conservancy after her death in 1996.” “Peter escaped her high society life to become an artist, immersed herself in the ancient history and ceremonies of the Native Americans, and drew passion and inspiration from these deeply connected friendships”, the press release notes, adding that Miller “was a very spiritual woman who observed the Native American beliefs of honoring nature.” But Miller's work was also deeply influenced by the Western art of her time, as Miller “was also friends with the Calders, Henri Matisse, Max Ernst, and all of the surrealists of that time living in New York. Peter Miller's paintings combine the influences of early modernist painters such as Pablo Picasso, Jean Miro, Fernand Leger, Arthur Carles, and Paul Klee, with Native American symbols, petroglyphs, and ceremonial objects.” "Peter Miller - The Forgotten Woman of American Modernism" is accompanied by the first published monograph on the artist, written by art historian Francis M. Naumann.

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