Melting Snow

Robert Spencer was born in Nebraska in 1879. His father was a minister, moving the family from parish to parish throughout Spencer’s childhood.

Spencer briefly pursued medicine, before deciding his passion was with the arts. He moved to New York City and enrolled in the National Academy of Design in 1899, followed by the New York School of Art, where he studied with William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri.

In 1906, Spencer moved to New Hope, PA and began studying with the painter Daniel Garber. He remained in New Hope for the next 25 years, marrying his wife Margaret Fulton in 1914.

Spencer’s work was often somber in mood and palette. His paintings were typically of buildings or people accomplishing everyday tasks.

The artist suffered several nervous breakdowns in the 1920s, and in 1931 he took his own life.

In addition to The National Arts Club, his work is held in the private collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the James A. Michener Art Museum.