Young Husband: First Marketing 1854

"Young Husband: First Marketing," a painting by Lilly Martin Spencer from 1854, depicts a young man struggling to carry a basket of groceries home. The scene is humorous, emphasizing the awkwardness of a young husband's first attempt at shopping. The painting, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a celebrated example of American genre painting from the 19th century, and provides a glimpse into everyday life during this period. The painting’s composition, which captures the man’s struggle and the falling groceries, contributes to the painting’s comedic tone.