Milton J. Burns was an American marine artist known for his depictions of American and British sailing ships. Burns was born in 1853 in Mount Gilead, Ohio. From a young age, he showed an interest in the sea and began his artistic career by sketching ships and seascapes. His passion for maritime subjects was influenced by his time at sea, as he spent a period of his life aboard sailing vessels, which gave him a deep understanding of the intricacies of ship design and the dynamics of the ocean.
Burns' artwork was characterized by its attention to detail and accuracy, qualities that made his work popular among shipbuilders and sailors who appreciated the authenticity of his representations. Throughout his career, Burns contributed illustrations to various nautical publications and produced numerous paintings that captured the essence of maritime life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite not having the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, Burns' work has been appreciated by maritime art collectors and historians. His paintings are considered valuable records of the sailing ships of his era, and they continue to be studied and admired for their historical significance and artistic merit. Burns passed away in 1933, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to the genre of marine art.