The Story Teller Oil Painting by Hugues Merle

The Story Teller

Hugues MerleItem # 4089835
Museum Quality Hand Painted Oil Reproduction

Was originally

$278.20

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$194.74
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Size:
16 X 19 in
9 Frame Options:
Unframed
$
$
Painting Size: 12" x 16"
16" x 19"
20" x 23"
24" x 28"
28" x 32"
32" x 37"
36" x 42"
40" x 46"
Frame: Unframed - Rolled in a tube
Unframed
GA1326
GA1306
GA1315
GA1510
GA1503
GA1505
GA1307
GA1506
GA1509
GA1323
GA1313
GA1508
Gallery Wrap
Finished Size: 30" x 34"
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  • About Reproduction

    Bring the timeless beauty of Hugues Merle's The Story Teller 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.

  • Original Description

    In The Story Teller by Hugues Merle (c. 1860s), the French artist masterfully captures an intimate moment suffused with warmth and nostalgia. Depicting a peasant woman surrounded by enraptured children as she weaves a tale, Merle employs his signature academic realism blended with Romantic sentimentality—soft brushstrokes enhance the tender expressions, while rich earthy tones and diffused light evoke a sense of quiet reverence. A contemporary of Bouguereau, Merle was celebrated for his sentimental genre scenes, though his reputation later dimmed alongside Academic Art’s decline. This painting exemplifies 19th-century moral narratives, where domesticity and storytelling symbolized cultural transmission. Though less renowned today, Merle’s works remain significant for bridging Romantic idealism and Victorian-era storytelling traditions.

    For interiors, The Story Teller lends itself to spaces craving warmth and narrative charm. Ideal for a cozy reading nook or a study, its muted terracottas and ochres pair beautifully with traditional wood furniture or linen textiles. Choose a gilded or walnut frame to complement its classical style, and hang it at eye level in subdued lighting to enhance its intimate mood. In minimalist settings, let it anchor a vignette with vintage books and brass accents for contrast. A medium-large size (24"x36" reproduction) ensures visibility without overwhelming smaller rooms. For offices, it fosters creativity—flank it with shelves or place it near a seating area to echo its theme of shared inspiration. The painting’s universal appeal lies in its ability to transform spaces into sanctuaries of storytelling.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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100% hand-painted

100% hand-painted

Each and every piece of our artwork is entirely hand-painted by artists with over a decade of experience. Every painting is infused with a unique personality and an unrivaled value, showcasing art in its rawest and most authentic form just for you.

Museum quality

Museum quality

We adhere to museum-level standards in our creation. Each piece of work is reproduced using techniques as close as possible to the original, coupled with the finest paints and canvases, making the color, structure, and texture of every replica as similar as possible to the original.

Top-level materials

Top-level materials

We insist on choosing the best quality paints and canvases from around the world. These selected materials not only offer unparalleled color saturation and durability, but also ensure that the reproductions can withstand the test of time. Only the finest materials can replicate the most authentic artworks possible.

Online proofing

Online proofing

We offer online proofing services, allowing you to be hands-on with every step of the artistic journey. You can personally review and suggest tweaks, and we'll meticulously fine-tune every detail until it aligns with your vision to the tee.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Is my The Story Teller reproduction painted by hand?

    Absolutely! Every The Story Teller reproduction is 100% hand-painted by our team of skilled artists—no mechanical prints or digital reproductions here. We use traditional oil painting techniques on premium canvas, with careful attention to brushwork, texture, and layering to authentically recreate the depth and vibrancy of the original artwork. Our artists typically spend between 2-4 weeks completing each painting, ensuring authentic quality and attention to detail. The result is a reproduction that truly honors the spirit of the original artwork while maintaining the unique character of a handcrafted piece.
  • Can I order an oil painting reproduction that's not in your catalog?

    Yes! We offer custom painting services. If there's a specific artwork or portrait you'd like, simply provide us with the details or an image, and our artists will recreate it for you.
  • Can I customize my The Story Teller reproduction - like adjusting colors?

    Certainly! We offer customization options for The Story Teller and other reproductions. Since each piece is hand-painted, we will confirm all details with you before starting and provide photos of the completed artwork for your review once finished. Best of all - if anything isn't perfect, we offer unlimited revisions until you're completely satisfied.
  • Can I see a draft of the artwork before it's finished?

    Yes, we offer online proofing services. Once the initial draft is ready, we'll send you a preview. You can provide feedback, and our artists will make adjustments accordingly.
  • How long does it take to paint my The Story Teller reproduction?

    It usually takes our meticulous artists about 2-3 weeks to complete an oil painting, depending on the difficulty of the subject.
  • If I select one of your frames, will the painting arrive ready to hang?

    Yes, when you choose our framing service, your painting will arrive ready to hang straight out of the box. Of course, you can also purchase just the reproduction alone - in that case, the artwork will be carefully rolled in a protective tube for shipping, and you'll need to have it stretched and framed yourself.
  • How should I display my The Story Teller reproduction to achieve the best effect?

    For the best visual impact, hang your The Story Teller at eye level in a well-lit area, preferably with indirect natural light or soft artificial lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity areas to protect the artwork.
  • How do I clean and maintain my The Story Teller reproduction?

    Gently dust the painting with a soft brush or lint-free cloth. Avoid using chemicals or water. If the painting requires deeper cleaning, consult a professional.