This wandering lifestyle is archetypically Romantic, rather contrasting with the bourgeois domesticity of his portraits, which are almost always set within interiors. A letter from the American artist John Vanderlyn to his nephew, John Vanderlyn, Jr., from Kingston, New York, dated September 9, 1825, stated, "Were I to begin life again, I should not hesitate to follow this plan, that is, to paint portraits cheap and slight, for the mass of folks can't judge of the merits of a well finished picture, I am more and more persuaded of this. Indeed, moving about through the country as Phillips did and probably still does, must be an agreeable way of passing ones time.
The Romantic wandering lifestyle contrasts with the bourgeois domesticity depicted in his portraits, which are typically set within interiors. A letter from John Vanderlyn to his nephew, dated September 9, 1825, stated, "If I were to start life anew, I would not hesitate to paint cheap and simple portraits for the masses, as they cannot appreciate well-executed paintings. Indeed, moving through the countryside like Phillips does must be a pleasant way to spend one's time.