Lilly Martin Spencer
American, 1822 - 1902
Lilly Martin Spencer, born Angelique Marie Martin, was a renowned American genre painter in the mid-19th century, celebrated for her charming portrayals of domestic life. Her works, often depicting women and children in joyful settings, were widely beloved and reproduced. While she initially focused on domestic scenes, Spencer later diversified her style and subjects, including portraits of notable figures like suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Lilly M. Spencer emigrated to the U.S. from England with her family in 1830. She was an artistic prodigy in her teen years and was educated at home. In 1841 she held an exhibition of her work which drew the attention of a wealthy patron in Cincinnati but ultimately turned down his offer to send her to Europe for further study. Spencers early work consisted mostly of allegorical and Shakespearian subjects. In 1848 Spencer moved to New York City hoping to find a larger audience. She gained financial success with her sentimental domestic genre paintings. Spencer was able to support her family just by the sale of her work with her husband managing domestic responsibilities and the business side of her work. Her seven children often appear in her paintings often with pets. Spencer used bright colors, clear drawing and dramatic light to enhance her paintings. She painted until her death, producing up to 500 works, many of which were reproduced as popular engravings and lithographs. Spencer died in 1902.
Biography courtesy of The Caldwell Gallery, www.antiquesandfineart.com/caldwell
Biography courtesy of The Caldwell Gallery, www.antiquesandfineart.com/caldwell
Lilly Martin Spencer
Lilly Martin Spencer (American, 1822-1902) A Rare Portrait of Benjamin Franklin
H 51 in W 39 in D 6 in
$ 148,000
Lilly Martin Spencer
Lilly Martin Spencer (American, 1822-1902) A Portrait of a Mother and Child
H 51 in W 39 in D 6 in
$ 110,000
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