As a rule, women artists were encouraged to pursue the delicate nature studies deemed more appropriate to their sex. Nevertheless, Maria Richards Oakey engages here with objects and emblems of wisdom and learning drawn from the “masculine” domain. The decorated frame is also believed to be the artist’s work. Oakey played an active role in the American Aesthetic movement, writing guides on household art and artistic dress as well as collaborating with her husband, celebrated figure painter Thomas Wilmer Dewing, on various design projects.