A Bittern and an Eel
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Stephen Elmer's A Bittern and an Eel 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
Stephen Elmer’s A Bittern and an Eel (c. 1765) is a captivating example of 18th-century British still-life painting, blending naturalistic detail with subtle drama. The composition depicts a majestic bittern poised over a lifeless eel, its sharp beak and poised stance exuding both elegance and predatory tension. Rendered with meticulous precision, Elmer’s work reflects the Enlightenment-era fascination with natural history, while the earthy tones and dramatic shadows lend it an almost Baroque solemnity. A pupil of George Stubbs, Elmer infused his still lifes with dynamism uncommon for the genre, elevating them beyond mere documentation. Though less renowned than his contemporaries, Elmer’s paintings are prized for their delicate interplay of life, death, and texture, making A Bittern and an Eel a noteworthy piece in the evolution of British wildlife art.
For interiors, this painting thrives in refined, nature-inspired spaces. Its warm umber and olive palette pairs beautifully with wooden furniture or leather accents—ideal for a study, library, or subdued office setting. Choose a gilded or dark-stained frame to enhance its 18th-century gravitas, and hang it at eye level as a focal point above a cabinet or desk. Given its modest size (typical of Elmer’s works, around 24 x 30 inches), it suits intimate rooms or corridors where viewers can appreciate its intricate brushwork. Complement it with botanical prints or muted textiles to echo its earthy tones, avoiding competing bright colors. In contemporary spaces, its classical realism adds timeless sophistication—bridging traditional and transitional décor with quiet authority.
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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.
