DeLancey W. Gill

DeLancey W. Gill
Gill, c. 1910s
Born	DeLancey Walker Gill (1859-07-01)July 1, 1859 Camden, South Carolina, U.S.
Died	August 31, 1940(1940-08-31) (aged 81) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Employers	United States Geological Survey Smithsonian Institution
Spouses	Rose DeLima Draper ​ ​ (m. 1881; died 1893)​ Mary Irvin Wright ​ ​ (m. 1895; div. 1903)​ Katharine Schley Hemmick ​ ​ (m. 1905)​
Children	8, including Minna P.

DeLancey Walker Gill (July 1, 1859 – August 31, 1940) was an American drafter, landscape painter, and photographer. Gill first became noted for his landscape illustrations and watercolors, mainly centered on Washington D.C., although also including views of Native American pueblos. Characterized as detailed and meticulous in his landscapes, Gill captured views of working-class and rural areas of Washington not commonly depicted in art of the period. Despite his other work, he continued to paint throughout his life, and taught art classes at the Corcoran School.

Initially employed as an illustrator and draftsman, Gill was director of the Division of Illustration at the Smithsonian Institution's Bureau of American Ethnology from 1889 to 1932. Although not trained in photography, Gill assumed a role as the BAE's head photographer following the resignation of two of the Smithsonian's prior photographers. In this role, he produced thousands of photographs of Native American delegations for the Bureau, including notable figures such as Geronimo and Chief Joseph. Gill's photographic work was showcased in Smithsonian publications, the Panama–Pacific Exposition and on a 1923 postage stamp. His portraiture has been praised for its pictorialist qualities and strength of design, despite the occasional use of outdated or misattributed clothing given to subjects.