Nathaniel Spens Family Heritage

"The Proper Proposal" was previously restored. Additional work to repair a hole and remove two patches ($55) was completed in 1998 and paid for by family members. This is a thought-provoking, unsigned oil-on-canvas painting, 18 1/4" x 14 3/4" in size, so thought provoking that Nathaniel’s granddaughter, Linnay Bourne penned a poem to tell the story she grew up hearing:

The Proper Proposal by Linnay Bourne, 1998

He came to call, all formal and dignified,

He came to make a proper proposal!

First he asked Papa,

Then encouraged and prodded by Papa and Mama

He turned to her!

Afraid he would see her delight, she turned her back

Pretending to thread a needle,

But her pretense was in vain--

Their eyes met in the mirror, and

They both knew it was a promise of forever love,

Not just a proper proposal!