The Babylonian Marriage Market

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "The Babylonian Marriage Market", originally brought to life by the talented Edwin Longsden Long. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Edwin Longsden Long and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

"The Babylonian Marriage Market" is an oil painting by the British artist Edwin Longsden Long (1829–1891) that was completed in 1875. The painting is a historical genre work that depicts a scene from ancient Babylon, inspired by a passage in the Histories by the Greek historian Herodotus. According to Herodotus, once a year, all the marriageable young women in Babylon were gathered together in one place to be auctioned off to prospective husbands. The auction was conducted in a manner where the most attractive women were sold first, and the proceeds from their sales were then used to endow the less attractive women, who were subsequently offered to the men who would accept the smallest dowry.

Long's painting captures the moment of the auction, portraying a diverse array of figures and emotions. The artist meticulously researched the costumes, architecture, and customs of the ancient Middle East to lend authenticity to his work. The scene is rich in detail, with various characters displaying expressions of hope, resignation, or anxiety about the transactional nature of the marriage process.

Measuring approximately 72 inches by 120 inches, "The Babylonian Marriage Market" is a significant work within Long's oeuvre, reflecting his interest in Orientalism and the depiction of historical scenes with moral and social commentary. The painting was well-received in its time, praised for its technical skill and its thought-provoking subject matter. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1875 and quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most recognized works of Long's career.

Today, "The Babylonian Marriage Market" is considered an important example of Victorian-era Orientalist painting. It is held in the collection of the Royal Holloway, University of London, where it continues to be studied and appreciated for its historical context, artistic merit, and the insight it provides into 19th-century British perceptions of the ancient world.

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.

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.