Page:Women Artists in All Ages and Countries original scans.djvu/325

LILY M. SPENCER. 317 CHAPTER XIX.

THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.

Mrs. Lity Srencer.—Early Display of Talent.—Removal to New York.—To Ohio.—Out-door Life.—Chase of a Deer.—Encounter with the Hog.—Lifting a Log.—Sketch on her bedroom Walls.— Encouragement.—Curiosity to see her Pictures.—Her Studies.— Remoyal to Cincinnati.—Jealousy of Artists.—Lord Morpeth.— Lily’s Marriage.—Return to New York.—Studies.—Her Paint- ings. — Kitchen Scenes. — Success and Fame. — Her Home and Studio. — Louisa Lander. — Inheritance of Talent. — Passion for Art.—Development of Taste for Sculpture.—Abode in Rome.— Crawford’s Pupil.—Her Productions.—‘‘ Virginia Dare.”—Other Sculptures. — Late Works. — Mary Weston. — Childish Love of Beauty and Art.—Devices to supply the Want of Facilities. —Stud- ies.—Departure from Home.—Is taken back.—Perseverance amid Difficulties. —Journey to New York.—Sees an Artist work.—Finds Friends.—Visit to Hartford.—Return to New York for Lessons.— Marriage.—Her Paintings.—Miss Freeman.—Variously gifted.— Miss Dupré.—The Misses Withers. —Mrs. Cheves.—Mrs. Hanna.

LILY M. SPENCER.

Mrs. SPENCER’s high position among American art- ists is universally recognized in the profession. In her peculiar style, her executive talent is probably unsurpassed in the country. She has encountered many difficulties in her path to success, and a glance at her history will not be without encouragement to those who possess a portion of her energy and perse- verance.

Her parents, whose name is Martin, were born in France, but removed to England soon after their mar- riage. They were persons of education, refinement, and good social standing. Mr. Martin taught French