Our Daily Bread (Daily Bread)

Though this sentimental gathering of a family stems from the American depression era, the scene has roots in the Italian Renaissance. The figures are reminiscent of the Holy Family, representing the Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus, and St. Joseph. The palette of this painting is as subdued as is the mood. The artist shows her reverence for the family by their calm and dignified demeanor. Humble surroundings and the meagre table offerings relate their circumstances. Nevertheless, the warmth of the family bond brings hope and comfort. The title of the work bears religious undertones. "Our Daily Bread" was likely inspired by the Lord’s Prayer.

A talented sculptor and painter, Matthews studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago under famed sculptor Loredo Taft and the painter John Vanderpoel. She married another artist, the sculptor Sidney N. Bedore (1881-1955) from Wisconsin. In the early 1930s, they moved to Green Bay where Matthews taught and painted murals for WPA projects. They also lived in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where after an interlude in Florida, Matthews spent the remainder of her life.