Christmas Card

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "Christmas Card", originally brought to life by the talented John Callcott Horsley. 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 John Callcott Horsley 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.

"Christmas Card by John Callcott Horsley" refers to the first Christmas card ever designed, which was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843 in the United Kingdom. John Callcott Horsley, a British narrative painter and a Royal Academician, was responsible for the illustration of this pioneering holiday greeting. The card, measuring 13.5 cm × 8.2 cm (5.3 in × 3.2 in), depicted a family gathering in which the central figures, a group of adults and children, are shown enjoying a holiday toast, underscoring the contemporary Victorian celebration of the Christmas season. Flanking this central image are two scenes of charity, with food and clothing being given to the poor, reflecting the spirit of giving associated with the holiday.

The design of the card was met with some controversy due to the depiction of a child drinking wine along with the adults, which critics claimed encouraged juvenile intoxication. Despite this, the concept of the Christmas card gained popularity, and the tradition of sending festive greetings during the holiday season quickly took hold. Approximately 1,000 of these cards were printed and sold for a shilling each. Today, the few surviving examples of Horsley's Christmas card are considered valuable pieces of social history and are highly sought after by collectors.

The introduction of the Christmas card by Horsley and Cole marked a significant development in social custom and the commercialization of the Christmas holiday. It paved the way for the widespread practice of card-giving that continues to be a staple of holiday tradition around the world. The Christmas card's design and its subsequent adoption reflect the broader cultural shifts of the time, including the emerging middle class, advances in printing technology, and the postal system reforms that made sending greeting cards affordable.

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.