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Collectible Description
A captivating blend of erotic energy and abstract expressionism defines Cecily Brown's Merry Widow, a masterful contemporary oil painting that invites you to explore its fluid textures and evocative depth.
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Artist Biography
British painter Cecily Brown blends figuration & abstraction with bold brushwork. Inspired by De Kooning & Rubens, her erotic canvases challenge art traditions.
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
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This Artwork Is Under Copyright Protection
The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.
As a respectful and legal alternative, we offer custom, hand-painted artworks inspired by the original. Our skilled and professional artists carefully study the original's style, mood, and artistic essence to create a new, unique piece that evokes the same feeling - while remaining an original creation in its own right.
This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.
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StatsOrder your painting in four simple steps
Take your time. You can change any answer; the price in your order card follows each choice.
1 Step one of four
Which size would you like?
These sizes keep the proportions of the original painting. The drawing shows your choice on a wall, above a two-metre sofa.
Or give your own measurements
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
2 Step two of four
How should it be prepared: rolled, stretched or framed?
The prices below are for the size you chose in step one.
Choose the edges of the stretched canvas
Choose your frame
White $1
Blurside $1
Extended $1
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
H24-GOLD $30
H24-SILVER $30
H36-GOLD $45
H36-SILVER $45
Framed
Moulding: . Overall size with the frame: .
3 Step three of four
Would you like anything changed in the painting?
Most people answer no. Because each painting is made by hand, our artist can also adapt it for you.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
4 Step four of four
A few finishing options
All of them are optional. The answers already selected cost nothing extra.
Who paints it?
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (8 November). No compromise on quality.
A nameplate, as in a museum?
Engraved Bronze Plaque Details
This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.
It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.
Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details
The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.
It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.
Black Acrylic Plaque Details
This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.
The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.
A protective varnish?
When do you need it?
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Your painting, as you ordered it
Merry Widow
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
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Elite Senior Artist
More detail, finesse, and extra production time
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Reproduction Frame
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For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.
Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.
For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.
Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.
Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.
Nameplate
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Protective Varnish
Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)
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Customize My Artwork
Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
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Urgent
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (8 November). No compromise on quality.
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Express Shipping
Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (15 November).
Included
Total Price
$ 263
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Included with every order
- Free Worldwide Express Shipping
- High-Quality Linen Canvas
- Full Shipping Insurance
- Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
- True Color Matching Guarantee
- 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
- Bulk Discount Offer
A Dance of Shadow and Flesh
In the evocative depths of Cecily Brown’s Merry Widow, the boundaries between the tangible and the ephemeral begin to dissolve. This masterful work invites the viewer into a dimly lit, intimate chamber where the air feels thick with unspoken narratives. At first glance, the composition presents a scene of profound vulnerability: a woman reclines upon a bed, her form partially obscured by the heavy, atmospheric shadows that define Brown’s signature style. Beside her, another figure sits in quiet contemplation, their gaze averted, creating a tension that oscillates between presence and absence. The room itself, punctuated by the skeletal silhouettes of chairs in the background, feels less like a physical space and more like a psychological landscape, where every brushstroke contributes to an atmosphere of haunting beauty.
Brown’s technique is a virtuosic display of controlled chaos, a hallmark of her ability to bridge the gap between Abstract Expressionism and classical figuration. The painting does not merely depict a scene; it performs it. Through a vigorous application of oil on canvas, the artist employs a palette that moves from deep, nocturnal blacks to sudden, fleshy highlights, creating a sense of perpetual motion. There is a restless energy in the way the paint is layered—thick, textured passages collide with fluid, sweeping motions that suggest the fleeting nature of memory and desire. This "anfractuous" quality ensures that the eye never rests, constantly pulled between the recognizable anatomy of the figures and the swirling, nebulous textures that threaten to consume them.
The Legacy of the Old Masters Reimagined
To look upon Merry Widow is to witness a contemporary dialogue with the giants of art history. Brown masterfully weaves the erotic energy of Rubens and the dramatic chiaroscuro of Goya into a modern, fragmented aesthetic. While the subject matter touches upon the visceral and the carnal, it avoids the static nature of traditional portraiture. Instead, she draws inspiration from the gestural freedom of Willem de Kooning and the emotive intensity of Francis Bacon, using their legacies to inform a style that feels both ancient and urgently contemporary. The painting functions as a palimpsest, where layers of historical influence are visible beneath the surface of modern abstraction.
For the discerning collector or interior designer, this piece offers more than mere decoration; it provides a focal point of profound emotional depth. The work possesses a unique ability to anchor a room, commanding attention through its sophisticated interplay of light and shadow. Whether placed in a minimalist gallery setting or a richly textured study, Merry Widow acts as a window into a world of complex human emotion—ranging from the melancholic to the sensual. It is an ideal acquisition for those who seek art that challenges the intellect while stirring the soul, offering a timeless elegance that transcends the fleeting trends of the contemporary art market.
Questions & Answers
Can the image of "Merry Widow" by Cecily Brown be freely reproduced?
Regarding copyright, "Merry Widow" is still protected by copyright.
How can I view "Merry Widow" by Cecily Brown as a slideshow?
"Merry Widow" by Cecily Brown can be viewed as a slideshow on the artwork's Diaporama page.
In which movement and which era is "Merry Widow" by Cecily Brown placed?
In "Merry Widow" by Cecily Brown, the Contemporary Art movement meets the Contemporary era.
Related Artworks
Cecily Brown
1969 - , United Kingdom
Artist Biography
Early Life and Education
- Born: London, United Kingdom (1969)
- Parents: Novelist Shena Mackay and art critic David Sylvester
- Education:
- B-TEC Diploma in Art and Design from Epsom School of Art (1985–87)
- Drawing and Printmaking classes at Morley College, London (1987–89)
- BA Degree in Fine Arts from the Slade School of Art, London (1989–93)
- Early Career: Worked as a waitress and in an animation studio during her studies.
- Awards: First-prize recipient in the National Competition for British Art Students at Slade.
Artistic Development and Influences
- Move to New York: Relocated from London in 1995, seeking artistic independence.
- Influences: Brown's style is influenced by a diverse range of artists including:
- Francisco de Goya
- Willem de Kooning
- Francis Bacon
- Joan Mitchell
- Rubens
- Poussin
- Style: Combines figuration and abstraction, expanding the tradition of abstract expressionism. Known for a painting style suggestive of De Kooning and Oskar Kokoschka.
- Process: Often begins without a precise plan, allowing the final painting to reveal itself during the creative process. Embraces surprise and change in her work.
- Themes: Explores sexuality and attraction through semi-figurative and abstract means. The handling of paint becomes a central subject matter.
Major Works and Recurring Motifs
- Early Recognition: Displayed "Four Letter Heaven" at the Telluride Film Festival (1995), exploring themes of sexuality and pornography.
- Notable Paintings: Titles often drawn from classic Hollywood films and musicals, such as "The Pyjama Game," "The Bedtime Story," and "The Fugitive Kind."
- "Electric Ladyland" Series: Based a series of paintings on a photograph from the 1968 Jimi Hendrix album.
- Site-Specific Installation: Created "Untitled," a permanent installation for the group exhibition "Vertical Paintings" at P.S. 1 (1997).
- Recurring Elements: Expressive figures, nudes, rich colors, luscious paint handling, and animated brushwork are characteristic of her style.
Critical Reception and Historical Significance
- Contemporary Groupings: Often grouped with leading female contemporary painters including Charline von Heyl, Jacqueline Humphries, Laura Owens, Jutta Koether, Amy Sillman, and Emily Sundblad.
- Process Description: Describes her process as "organic," working on multiple pieces simultaneously, allowing layers to dry between applications.
- Critical Responses: While praised for powerful canvases and bold brushwork, some critics have noted a perceived detachment or lack of character in her work.
- Gendered Perspective: Brown's assertive style has been interpreted as confronting both the tradition of Abstract Expressionism (often associated with masculinity) and gendered assumptions about art.
- Legacy: Cecily Brown is recognized as a significant contemporary painter who revitalized painting through her dynamic, sensual, and intellectually engaging works. Her influence can be seen in subsequent generations of artists exploring figuration and abstraction.
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