Mrs. Paul Smith Palmer and Her Twins 1835 - 1838

"Mrs. Paul Smith Palmer and Her Twins" is a portrait painting by American artist Erastus Salisbury Field, created between 1835 and 1838. The painting depicts Mrs. Palmer seated with her two young children, both of whom are holding oranges. The sitter's attire and the painting's style are characteristic of early 19th-century portraiture, with a focus on realism and detail. The simple composition, use of muted colors, and depiction of a family group are all hallmarks of American folk art. The painting captures a moment of domesticity and familial affection, providing insight into the lives of a middle-class family in the early 19th century. This painting is a fine example of a genre that became increasingly popular in the 19th century: the family portrait.