Past and Present Number Two
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Augustus Egg's Past and Present Number Two into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
Augustus Egg's Past and Present No.2 (1858) is a haunting Victorian narrative painting that masterfully blends domestic drama with moral allegory. Part of a triptych, this Pre-Raphaelite-influenced work depicts a mother's devastating fall from grace—shown curled in a shadowy archway beneath Adelphi Terrace, her illegitimate baby clinging to her as moonlight casts ghostly reflections. The meticulous realism contrasts sharply with symbolic elements: theatre posters mocking her "fallen" status, while twin moons suggest duality of time and morality. Egg's genius lies in psychological tension; the distant fireworks over Vauxhall Gardens mirror her extinguished social spark. As a pivotal work of 19th-century social realism, it revolutionized narrative painting by exposing Victorian hypocrisy regarding gender double standards, making it invaluable for understanding the era's concealed anxieties about female sexuality.
For display spaces seeking contemplative sophistication, this artwork commands attention best in dimly lit studies or executive offices where its Rembrandtesque chiaroscuro can shine. Hang the 63x76cm oil on canvas at eye-level beside mahogany bookshelves to enhance its vintage gravitas. Modern interiors benefit from pairing it with emerald velvet armchairs or bronze desk accessories that echo the painting's verdigris undertones. In minimalist settings, let it dominate a charcoal feature wall accented with gilded picture lights for dramatic contrast. For thematic cohesion, group with other Victorian moral subjects like Frith's Derby Day, maintaining 8-10cm spacing between frames. The rich burgundy and slate palette works exceptionally well in rooms with Persian rugs or leather Chesterfields, while its intimate scale suits above mantelpieces or flanking fireplace niches—perfect for sparking profound conversations about social history in cultivated spaces.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
