Lilly Martin Spencer (1822-1902)

Self-Portrait, ca. 1841 (detail) Oil on canvas; 29 x 24 in. Ohio Historical Society, Columbus

One of the few professional female artists of the mid-nineteenth century, Spencer was extremely determined and hard working. During the years that she created her most accomplished body of work - first in New York City (1848-1858) and later in Newark, New Jersey (1858-1879) - she also raised a large family, giving birth to thirteen children, seven of whom survived infancy. Because her husband was never successful in his business endeavors, Spencer supported the household through the sale of her paintings and engravings.

As she balanced the demands of career and home, Spencer developed an ambivalent attitude toward Victorian domesticity. In her paintings depicting chaotic households, foolish husbands and naughty children, many of which include figures modeled after her own family members, she presents a subversive viewpoint. Spencer, however, was also keenly aware of the need to market her art and made her reputation by specializing in images of sentimental domestic themes, the majority of which show angelic babies, loving mothers and idyllic scenes of family life.

The War Spirit at Home
(Celebrating the Victory at Vicksburg), 1866.
Oil on canvas; 30 x 32 ¾ in.
The Newark Museum

Mother and Child, 1867
Oil on canvas; 34 ½ x 27 ½ in.
Godel & Co. Fine Art, New York