The Letter, 1880 Oil Painting by Paul Cesar Helleu

The Letter, 1880

Paul Cesar HelleuItem # 187235
Museum Quality Hand Painted Oil Reproduction

Was originally

$282.10

Now only

$197.47
You save 30%
Size:
20 X 16 in
9 Frame Options:
Unframed
$
$
Painting Size: 12" x 16"
20" x 16"
24" x 20"
29" x 24"
34" x 28"
39" x 32"
44" x 36"
49" x 40"
Frame: Unframed - Rolled in a tube
Unframed
GA1326
GA1306
GA1315
GA1510
GA1503
GA1505
GA1307
GA1506
GA1509
GA1323
GA1313
GA1508
GA1330
Gallery Wrap
Finished Size: 30" x 34"
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Free Shipping to Your Door
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
  • About Reproduction

    Bring the timeless beauty of Paul Cesar Helleu's The Letter, 1880 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.

  • Original Description

    Paul César Helleu’s The Letter (1880) captures an intimate moment suspended in time, radiating elegance and quiet introspection. This delicate pastel-on-paper work portrays a young woman engrossed in reading a letter, her poised demeanor and soft features illuminated with subtle luminosity—a hallmark of Helleu’s refined technique. Emerging during the Belle Époque, Helleu mastered Society Portraiture yet infused his works with Impressionistic spontaneity, making The Letter a bridge between formal portraiture and fleeting impressions of modern life. Though less renowned than his contemporaries like Sargent or Whistler, Helleu’s intimate scenes gained admiration among elite patrons, solidifying his legacy as a chronicler of Parisian grace. The painting’s muted palette and intimate scale invite viewers into a private world, reflecting both the artist’s technical precision and his sensitivity to emotional undercurrents—traits that position The Letter as a gem of late-19th-century society art.

    For interiors, The Letter shines in spaces designed for contemplation or refined sophistication. Hang it in a softly lit study or alcove to echo its introspective mood, ideally adjacent to furnishings with curvilinear Art Nouveau silhouettes or vintage writing desks to reinforce its era. Frame it in an ornate gilt or slim black lacquer frame—matching its duality of opulence and modernity—and pair with walls in dove gray, sage green, or faded blush to harmonize with its pastel tones. At ~18x24 inches, it suits intimate zones: above a mantel, flanked by sconces, or as part of a salon-style grid in an office lounge. For contrast, layer it with textured textiles like velvet or silk, or place near matte ceramics to balance its delicate luminance. Its muted drama makes it versatile—equally at home in a minimalist gallery wall or amid classic Edwardian décor—but always best positioned at eye level to preserve its whispering allure.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Add to Cart
100% hand-painted

100% hand-painted

Each and every piece of our artwork is entirely hand-painted by artists with over a decade of experience. Every painting is infused with a unique personality and an unrivaled value, showcasing art in its rawest and most authentic form just for you.

Museum quality

Museum quality

We adhere to museum-level standards in our creation. Each piece of work is reproduced using techniques as close as possible to the original, coupled with the finest paints and canvases, making the color, structure, and texture of every replica as similar as possible to the original.

Top-level materials

Top-level materials

We insist on choosing the best quality paints and canvases from around the world. These selected materials not only offer unparalleled color saturation and durability, but also ensure that the reproductions can withstand the test of time. Only the finest materials can replicate the most authentic artworks possible.

Online proofing

Online proofing

We offer online proofing services, allowing you to be hands-on with every step of the artistic journey. You can personally review and suggest tweaks, and we'll meticulously fine-tune every detail until it aligns with your vision to the tee.

Recent Hand-Painted Oil Reproductions

Explore the latest masterpieces carefully crafted by our talented artists.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is my The Letter, 1880 reproduction painted by hand?

    Absolutely! Every The Letter, 1880 reproduction is 100% hand-painted by our team of skilled artists—no mechanical prints or digital reproductions here. We use traditional oil painting techniques on premium canvas, with careful attention to brushwork, texture, and layering to authentically recreate the depth and vibrancy of the original artwork. Our artists typically spend between 2-4 weeks completing each painting, ensuring authentic quality and attention to detail. The result is a reproduction that truly honors the spirit of the original artwork while maintaining the unique character of a handcrafted piece.
  • Can I order an oil painting reproduction that's not in your catalog?

    Yes! We offer custom painting services. If there's a specific artwork or portrait you'd like, simply provide us with the details or an image, and our artists will recreate it for you.
  • Can I customize my The Letter, 1880 reproduction - like adjusting colors?

    Certainly! We offer customization options for The Letter, 1880 and other reproductions. Since each piece is hand-painted, we will confirm all details with you before starting and provide photos of the completed artwork for your review once finished. Best of all - if anything isn't perfect, we offer unlimited revisions until you're completely satisfied.
  • Can I see a draft of the artwork before it's finished?

    Yes, we offer online proofing services. Once the initial draft is ready, we'll send you a preview. You can provide feedback, and our artists will make adjustments accordingly.
  • How long does it take to paint my The Letter, 1880 reproduction?

    It usually takes our meticulous artists about 2-3 weeks to complete an oil painting, depending on the difficulty of the subject.
  • If I select one of your frames, will the painting arrive ready to hang?

    Yes, when you choose our framing service, your painting will arrive ready to hang straight out of the box. Of course, you can also purchase just the reproduction alone - in that case, the artwork will be carefully rolled in a protective tube for shipping, and you'll need to have it stretched and framed yourself.
  • How should I display my The Letter, 1880 reproduction to achieve the best effect?

    For the best visual impact, hang your The Letter, 1880 at eye level in a well-lit area, preferably with indirect natural light or soft artificial lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity areas to protect the artwork.
  • How do I clean and maintain my The Letter, 1880 reproduction?

    Gently dust the painting with a soft brush or lint-free cloth. Avoid using chemicals or water. If the painting requires deeper cleaning, consult a professional.