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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
Mid 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Painted Black and Gold Floor Easel
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period ebonized floor easel features gold painted detailing of scrolling acanthus leaves at the top and a central rosette on the stret...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Easels
Materials
Ash, Giltwood
Italian Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Easel, Circa 1960's
Located in Rochester, NY
Italian gilt metal faux bamboo floor easel in beautifully aged original gilded surface. A great looking decorative easel for display of painting artwork .... more. Circa 1960's. Meas...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Easels
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Metal, Tôle
Stylish Empire Revival 20th Century Floor Easel Artist Display Stand
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1279 Floor easel artist display stand practical in size, good condition, beautifully
designed and great quality materials picture stand.
Height...
Category
Vintage 1950s Easels
Materials
Hardwood
French Double-Sided Painter's Easel, Solid Oak Circa 1920s
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th century French double sided painter's easel made of solid oak with metal center ratchets to raise and lower each side. Each side has a ledge to hold the canvas and an a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Rustic Easels
Materials
Metal
c1900 Arts & Crafts Period Adjustable Oak Easel by the Technical Supply Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
A c1900 adjustable oak easel by the Technical Supply Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania. The height of the easel and angle of display are adjustable. A wonderful display piece with a...
Category
Early 20th Century North American American Craftsman Easels
Materials
Steel, Chrome, Iron
Museum Quality Antique Nutwood Studio or Gallery Easel / Painting Display Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptionally elegant late 19th Century studio easel, Neoclassical with early Amsterdam School influences
This rare and elegant late 19th century artist’s easel is an outstanding ex...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Neoclassical Easels
Materials
Nutwood


