Mrs Martha Washington 1731-1802 1796
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of James Sharples's Mrs Martha Washington 1731-1802 1796 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
The 1796 portrait Mrs. Martha Washington by James Sharples captures the quiet dignity of America’s first First Lady with remarkable intimacy. Rendered in delicate pastel crayon, the work showcases Sharples’ signature neoclassical precision—soft yet defined strokes frame Martha’s serene expression, her lace cap and modest silk dress reflecting Federal-era simplicity. Unlike grand oil portraits of the era, this small-scale (approx. 9x7 inches) study feels strikingly personal; the warm earth tones and diffused light evoke domestic warmth rather than state grandeur. Historically significant as one of the few surviving life portraits of Martha Washington, it offers a counterpoint to Gilbert Stuart’s more ceremonial depictions. The Sharples family’s prolific pastel portraits of early American leaders (including George Washington) now occupy a unique niche in art history—bridging European portraiture traditions with nascent American identity.
For display, this portrait thrives in traditional or transitional spaces. Its oval shape and muted palette of cream, taupe, and russet harmonize beautifully with Federal-style interiors—consider pairing it with a gilded oval frame above a Chippendale chest or in a study with leather-bound books. In modern offices, it adds historical gravitas when grouped with black-and-white architectural prints or set against navy walls for tonal contrast. Ideal for intimate spaces due to its modest size, it’s best viewed at eye level on a library ladder wall or as part of a salon-style arrangement with other early American portraits. Avoid overwhelming it with bold colors; instead, let it anchor a neutral scheme with refined textures like linen upholstery or walnut wood finishes. For lighting, diffuse daylight or warm LED spots will enhance the pastel’s subtlety without glare.
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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.
