Portrait of Albert Melida
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Edgar Degas's Portrait of Albert Melida 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
Edgar Degas' Portrait of Albert Melida (1861) captures a quiet intensity characteristic of the artist's early portraiture period. Painted during Degas' transitional phase between academic training and Impressionist experimentation, the work depicts Spaniard Albert Melida seated pensively amidst warm, earthy tones. The subdued chiaroscuro modeling shows Degas' mastery of traditional techniques, while the asymmetrical composition hints at his later, more radical approach. Unlike his famous ballet scenes, this intimate portrayal reveals Degas' psychological depth as a portraitist—the sitter's introspective gaze and slightly hunched posture convey unspoken narrative tension. Art historically significant, this painting bridges 19th-century academic portraiture and modernist innovations, showing Degas' ability to imbue formal portraits with contemporary sensibility years before joining the Impressionist exhibitions.
For interior placement, this medium-sized oil painting (approximately 23 × 19 inches) would elegantly anchor a study or executive office. The rich umber background complements walnut wood furnishings beautifully, while Melida's crimson cravat creates opportunities for color echoes—consider pairing with burgundy leather accents or terracotta ceramic pieces. Its vertical orientation works well above low cabinetry or beside floor-to-ceiling bookcases, preferably illuminated by directional picture lighting to enhance its Old Master warmth. In contemporary spaces, juxtapose this traditional portrait against crisp gray walls for sophisticated contrast; for period-inspired rooms, display alongside Napoleon III-style gilt frames maintaining consistent proportions. The artwork's intimate scale invites closer inspection, making it ideal for spaces meant for contemplation—position seating approximately 60-72 inches from the wall for optimal viewing distance.
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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.
