This rare pair of girandoles depicts imagery associated with the genre paintings of Lilly Martin Spencer (1822-1902). The two scenes are based on companion paintings by Spencer, circa 1854, which were first shown at the 1856 annual exhibition of the National Academy of Design. The one of the left is marked THE YOUNG HUSBAND and the one on the right is identified THE YOUNG WIFE.

America, circa 1860

Reference: The Magazine Antiques,February 1975, Collectors' notes, Lilly Martin Spencer and a pair of girandoles, page 262. The Magazine Antiques, July 1973, Robin Boulton-Smith The sentimental paintings of Lilly Martin Spencer, pages 108-115.