Spencer, Frederick R. (American, 1806-1875) Oil Painting. “Portrait of a Child.” Oil on wood panel. Inscribed on back “Painted by FR Spencer Jan 1846.” In good condition. Included is a copy of a receipt for a frame restoration done in 1996. Measures 15” x 12 ”. Frame measures 23 ” x 20 ”.

From the National Gallery of Art: The portraitist Frederick Randolph Spencer was born June 7, 1806 in Lennox, New York, one of four children of the lawyer and first postmaster of Canastota, General Ichabod Smith Spencer (1780-1857), and Mary Pierson Spencer (1785-1865). He evinced an early interest for art, and at the age of fifteen saw an exhibition of portraits by Ezra Ames at Albany. In 1822 he saw in Utica some biblical scenes by William Dunlap, from whom he received some informal instruction. In 1825 Spencer went to New York City and drew from the casts at the American Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied under John Trumbull. By 1827 he had returned to his family's home in Canastota and commenced painting portraits. After periods of professional activity in Albany and Utica, he returned to New York City in 1831 and became a successful portraitist who painted many of New York's prominent citizens. In 1834 Dunlap reported that Spencer "has been in constant employment to the present time, and with increasing reputation." He became an academician of the American Academy in 1832, and served on its board directors from 1833 to 1835. He became an associate member of the National Academy of Design in 1837, a full academician in 1846, and corresponding secretary of the organization from 1849 to 1850, when he refused re-election in order to dedicate himself to painting. In 1858 the artist retired to upstate New York; he evidently experienced some marital difficulties at that time because his wife, without apparent justification, accused him of insanity and remained in New York City. Spencer died at Wampsville on April 3, 1875. Spencer painted in an extremely smooth, linear style characterized by a high degree of finish; his later works appear almost photographic. A provincial portraitist who specialized in conventional and literal likenesses, Spencer also painted genre and literary subjects.

From Askart: Frederick R. Spencer was born January 7, 1806 in Lennox, New York and died April 8, 1875 in Wampsville, New York. He began painting around 1822, setting himself up as a professional portrait painter in 1827. He settled in New York in 1830 with his studio being located at 115 Canal Street. In 1838 he was elected Associate Member of the National Academy of Design and in 1847 he was elected Member. From 1849-50 he was recording secretary. He exhibited portraits in the National Academy of Design Annual Exhibition in 1837, 1839-41, 1843-50 and 1852-53.