Mary Daisy Arnold

Mary Daisy Arnold (1873–1955), American, Mary Daisy Arnold, an American botanical artist, dedicated over thirty-five years of her life to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), where she created an impressive collection of watercolor paintings focusing on fruits. Born around 1873, Arnold's artistic journey began with her studies in New York before joining the USDA in 1904. There, she became part of a distinguished group of illustrators, contributing significantly to the USDA's Pomological Watercolor Collection with her 1060 works painted between 1908 and 1940. Her subjects spanned a diverse range of fruits, including apples, strawberries, stone fruits, citrus, and more exotic varieties like figs, papayas, and persimmons. Beyond her botanical illustrations, Arnold also engaged in educational work, such as preparing and coloring lantern slides, and explored landscape painting in oils. Residing in the Washington, D.C., area, Arnold's legacy is marked by her meticulous attention to detail and her contribution to the documentation of American pomology. Despite the scarcity of personal records due to the destruction of pre-1921 National Personnel Record Center documents, Arnold's work remains a testament to her skill and dedication to botanical art. She passed away on August 13, 1955, leaving behind a rich visual heritage that continues to be celebrated for its scientific and artistic value.