1850. , 57.0 x 46.0 cm.
William Matthew Prior (1806-1873): American folk artist famed for vibrant portraits of families & children. Explore the 'Prior/Hamblin School' and 19thC art.
1806 - 1873, United Kingdom
William Matthew Prior was born on May 16, 1806, in Bath, Maine, to Captain William Prior, a shipmaster, and Sarah Bryant Prior. He demonstrated an early aptitude for art, beginning his artistic journey with training under Charles Codman, a fellow Maine-based painter, completing his first portrait in 1823 at the age of seventeen.
In 1840, Prior relocated to East Boston, Massachusetts, with his in-laws, including Sturtevant J. Hamblin, another painter. This move aimed to invigorate his career. The paintings produced by both Prior and Hamblin, when unsigned, are remarkably similar in style – so much so that they are often attributed to the “Prior/Hamblin School.” According to the 1852 Boston directory, Prior resided at 36 Trenton Street in East Boston.
Prior’s work is characterized by its vibrant portraits, particularly those of families and children. He was a skilled portraitist who captured the likenesses and personalities of his subjects with a distinctive folk art sensibility. His paintings often depict individuals in their everyday attire and settings, providing valuable insights into 19th-century American life.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Prior was a devout follower of William Miller, a preacher who prophesied the imminent end of the world. This religious conviction deeply influenced his life and work. He authored two books detailing Miller’s teachings: The King's Vesture (1862) and The Empyrean Canopy (1868).
William Matthew Prior passed away on January 21, 1873, and was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, Massachusetts. Approximately 1,500 portraits are attributed to him. His works are now held in prestigious institutions such as the Harvard Art Museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Art.
Prior’s artistic significance was further highlighted by the exhibition Artist and Visionary: William Matthew Prior Revealed, shown at the Fenimore Art Museum (Cooperstown, New York) in 2012-2013 and subsequently at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. This exhibition brought renewed attention to his unique contribution to American art.
AllPaintingsStore.com, “William Matthew Prior, Master Cleeves (1850)”, https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/william-matthew-prior-master-cleeves-D38KEG-en/ArtistReproduction/ (accessed 3 October 2026).
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
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It is specified on the order sheet in the margin; the present state of that sheet reads as follows.
Master Cleeves
Reproduction Size
More detail, finesse, and extra production time
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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.
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.
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Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)
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.
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (1 November). No compromise on quality.
Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (8 November).
Included with every order
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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.
