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What is a painter’s stand called?
1 Answer

A painter's stand is called an easel. Reportedly, the name traces back to the late 16th- and early 17th-century Dutch word "ezel," which refers to a donkey. There are two possible reasons why this word became the name of an artist's stand. The first is that donkeys were commonly used to haul objects, much like an easel holds an artist's supply. Another possibility is that in English, a supporting frame was sometimes referred to as a horse. The Dutch may have drawn inspiration from this tradition and chosen the word for a donkey to describe the frame that supports an artist's canvas and paints. On 1stDibs, find a range of easels.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
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Shop for Easels on 1stDibs
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Excellent condition, richly detailed, and exceptionally elegant picture stand.
This stunning gallery easel is a pleasure to behold, even without a painting displayed on it. Thanks t...
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Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Revival Easels
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Antique Mexican Wood Artist Easel
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Antique Mexican Small Wood Artist Easel, Made in solid wood, circa 1950.
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Vintage 1950s Mexican Industrial Easels
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Antique R.M. Lambie Victorian Walnut & Cast Iron Bible Book Stand Lectern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique R.M. Lambie Victorian Walnut & Cast Iron Adjustable Bible Book Stand Lectern. Circa Late 19 Century. Measurements: 28-40" H x 21.5" W x 13" D....
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Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Easels
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Late 19th Century Antique Wood Painter's Easel
Located in Round Top, TX
This vintage artist's easel rests on four casters. It reveals years of use as seen in the many paint spills, scratches, dings and areas of distress and wear throughout.
All areas of ...
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Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Rustic Easels
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French 20th Century Adjustable Artist’s Easel
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This oak artist’s easel from late 19th century France is an attractive solution to display large-scale art without a wall, allowing for more personal interaction and engagement with ...
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Antique 19th Century French Other Easels
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Metal
Paint-Splattered French Adjustable Wooden Artist's Easel Mid-20th Century
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Paint-splattered wooden artist's easel, French mid-20th century design.
This piece retains it's wonderful original patina with paint splatter..
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Easels
Materials
Metal


