- 57.0 x 46.0 cm
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Every detail, painted by hand
Three spots of the painting, enlarged. Our artists reproduce each of them by hand, at the size you choose.
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The heart of the scene.
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Light and background.
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The brushwork.
The painting
William Matthew Prior
1806 - 1873, United Kingdom
The painter
William Matthew Prior (1806-1873): American folk artist famed for vibrant portraits of families & children. Explore the 'Prior/Hamblin School' and 19thC art.
Artist Biography
William Matthew Prior: Life and Legacy
Early Life and Training
William Matthew Prior was born on May 16, 1806, in Bath, Maine, to Captain William Prior, a shipmaster, and Sarah Bryant Prior. He demonstrated an early aptitude for art, beginning his artistic journey with training under Charles Codman, a fellow Maine-based painter, completing his first portrait in 1823 at the age of seventeen.
Career Development and the Prior/Hamblin School
In 1840, Prior relocated to East Boston, Massachusetts, with his in-laws, including Sturtevant J. Hamblin, another painter. This move aimed to invigorate his career. The paintings produced by both Prior and Hamblin, when unsigned, are remarkably similar in style – so much so that they are often attributed to the “Prior/Hamblin School.” According to the 1852 Boston directory, Prior resided at 36 Trenton Street in East Boston.
Artistic Style and Themes
Prior’s work is characterized by its vibrant portraits, particularly those of families and children. He was a skilled portraitist who captured the likenesses and personalities of his subjects with a distinctive folk art sensibility. His paintings often depict individuals in their everyday attire and settings, providing valuable insights into 19th-century American life.
- Portraiture: The core of Prior’s oeuvre lies in portrait painting.
- Folk Art Style: His work embodies the characteristics of folk art – simplicity, directness, and a focus on representing everyday life.
- Family & Children: A recurring theme is the depiction of families and children, reflecting the importance placed on these social units during the period.
Religious Beliefs and Writings
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Prior was a devout follower of William Miller, a preacher who prophesied the imminent end of the world. This religious conviction deeply influenced his life and work. He authored two books detailing Miller’s teachings: The King's Vesture (1862) and The Empyrean Canopy (1868).
Legacy and Recognition
William Matthew Prior passed away on January 21, 1873, and was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts. Approximately 1,500 portraits are attributed to him. His works are now held in prestigious institutions such as the Harvard Art Museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Art.
Prior’s artistic significance was further highlighted by the exhibition Artist and Visionary: William Matthew Prior Revealed, shown at the Fenimore Art Museum (Cooperstown, New York) in 2012-2013 and subsequently at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. This exhibition brought renewed attention to his unique contribution to American art.
Major Works
- George Washington, c. 1860
- Mrs. Nancy Lawson, 1843
- Portrait of a young boy with flounced collar and brown suit holding a bow and arrow
- Girl in Pink
- Boy in Blue
Quick facts about William Matthew Prior
- Name: William Matthew Prior
- Movement: Folk Art
- Birth Date: May 16, 1806
- Death Date: January 21, 1873
- Influenced: Sturtevant J. Hamblin (Prior/Hamblin School)
- Birth Place: Bath, Maine, United States
- Nationality: American
- Date Of Birth: 1806
- Date Of Death: 1873
- Influenced By: Charles Codman
- Notable Works:
- Mrs. Nancy Lawson
- Girl in Pink
- Boy in Blue
- Abraham Lincoln
- Place Of Birth: Bath, United Kingdom
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
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Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
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Master Cleeves
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
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Elite Senior Artist
More detail, finesse, and extra production time
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Reproduction Frame
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For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.
Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.
For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.
Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.
Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.
Nameplate
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Protective Varnish
Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)
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Customize My Artwork
Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
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Urgent
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (1 November). No compromise on quality.
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Express Shipping
Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (8 November).
Included
Total Price
$ 265
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
i.
Scale
The original measures 57.0 x 46.0 cm. Slide to your wall: every size keeps its proportions.
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
Read moreii.
Frame
The frame is drawn on the painting at its true width.
Framed
White $1
Blurside $1
Extended $1
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
H24-GOLD $30
H24-SILVER $30
H36-GOLD $45
H36-SILVER $45
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Make it yours
A painting made by hand can be made for one person.
iv.
Finishing
Nameplate, varnish and delivery.
Nameplate
Engraved Bronze Plaque Details
This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.
It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.
Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details
The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.
It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.
Black Acrylic Plaque Details
This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.
The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.
Protective Varnish
Urgent Production
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (1 November). No compromise on quality.
- Free Worldwide Express Shipping
- High-Quality Linen Canvas
- Full Shipping Insurance
- Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
- True Color Matching Guarantee
- 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
- Bulk Discount Offer
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