Lilly Martin Spencer
Painted in New York at the height of Spencer’s popularity, Young Wife: First Stew is the companion piece to Young Husband: First Marketing. The produce obtained by the husband on his ill-advised shopping trip now appears on his wife’s kitchen table, including a pineapple, eggs, and asparagus. In the early stages of preparing a stew, the fashionable yet distraught young woman peels an onion, while her puzzled household helper looks on. When exhibited in 1856, the picture was singled out in the press for its technical expertise—notably Spencer’s handling of the still life—as well as the unconventional subject matter. I love their faces, only a woman could paint feelings so precisely. :D
P.S. In DailyArt Magazine we pay special attention to female artists and help to spread knowledge about them. We want women artists to regain their place in art history and in the world of art, which they deserve. Here you can read more about several ancient and modern female artists. <3