The Start of the Day
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of William Joseph Shayer's The Start of the Day 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 Start of the Day by William Joseph Shayer captures the rustic charm of 19th-century English countryside life with remarkable warmth. This oil painting, created circa 1850s, depicts a tender morning scene—typically featuring farmers preparing for their daily labors amidst rolling green hills, weathered wooden fences, and grazing livestock. Shayer, a self-taught artist and prominent figure of the Victorian era, excelled in portraying rural narratives with meticulous detail and earthy tonalities, often grouped stylistically with the Romantic genre painters. His works, including this piece, reflect a nostalgic idealization of agrarian life during Britain’s Industrial Revolution, offering both historical insight and sentimental appeal. Though not as radical as the Pre-Raphaelites, Shayer’s naturalistic compositions earned him recognition at Royal Academy exhibitions, solidifying his legacy as a chronicler of pastoral England.
For interior spaces, The Start of the Day lends itself beautifully to traditional or farmhouse-style decor. Ideal for a study or rustic dining room, its muted greens, browns, and soft sky blues harmonize with wooden furniture, linen textiles, or weathered finishes. Choose a medium-to-large frame (original dimensions often around 24 x 36 inches) in gilt or distressed oak to complement the painting’s vintage character. Position it as a focal point above a fireplace or alongside shelves with leather-bound books and ceramic jugs to reinforce the pastoral theme. In modern offices, it adds warmth when paired with neutral walls and minimalist furniture—its earthy palette balancing sleek surfaces. For cohesive styling, echo Shayer’s hues through accent pillows or a woven rug, ensuring the scene feels integrated rather than isolated.
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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.
