Existing comment:
Charles Bird King
Poor Artist's Cupboard, c. 1815
A biting social critique of the lack of support for the arts in America, this unusual painting by King depicts an artist's meager possessions -- a crust of bread, glass of water, palette, and journal of unpaid bills -- crowded into a small alcove. Tattered books suggest the poverty of contemporary culture. In particular, the large volume Choice Criticism of the Exhibitions at Philadelphia likely refers to the inhospitality toward artists; many of King's artist contemporaries departed Philadelphia because of a lack of commissions. |