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University of Wisconsin, Madison *
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MISC
Subject
History
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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2
Uploaded by esich8
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How "Portrait of Reverend John Atwood and His Family" and "Shake Hands?" Reflect
the Cult of Domesticity
The works of art "Portrait of Reverend John Atwood and His Family" by Henry F. Darby
(1845) as well as "Shake Hands?" by Lilly Martin Spenser (1854) both portray the Cult of
Domesticity in various ways. In the first picture, the patriarchal power of the male figure in
charge of the family is emphasized. Still, in the second, the woman's function as a nurturer and
housewife is highlighted.
In "Portrait of Reverend John Atwood and His Family," the hierarchy of the family unit is
depicted, with the male figure serving as the main character. The father, Reverend Atwood, is
positioned amid the composition and is dressed in conventional clerical clothing despite having
his wife and kids arrayed around him. In a cozy setting, with books, musical instruments, and
other mementos of their education and culture all about them, the photograph shows Atwood, his
wife, and their six children. This image fosters the love of homelife (Bjelajac 190).
Shadows, as
well as light, are employed to create atmosphere and depth in the scenario. At the same time,
each family member's clothing, accessories, and facial expressions are displayed in the painting
in exquisite detail and with excellent realism. The positioning of the art pieces highlights the
father's position of authority and the importance of the family in upholding social order.
Contrarily, "Shake Hands?" portrays women as caretakers and caregivers. A cheerful
woman is seated next to the kitchen table in the picture. She is dressed fashionably, wearing a
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fashionable frock and cap, and is surrounded by luxurious fabrics and furnishings. In the
artwork, contrast is emphasized. The illustration emphasizes how the two women are different
from one another and highlights the idea that a woman's worth is based on her ability to
nurture others in addition to caring for her home.
Both artworks reflect the Cult of Domesticity, a 19th-century societal movement that
emphasized the importance of women's domestic as well as nurturing responsibilities (Bjelajac
189). Although "Portrait of Reverend John Atwood and His Family" exemplifies the importance
of the patriarchal setup, "Shake Hands?" emphasizes the importance of women's domestic tasks.
These artworks, when viewed collectively, provide a glimpse into the norms and values of 19th-
century American society.
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