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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
Victorian Mahogany Studio Easel by Joseph Fitter of Birmingham
Located in Lincoln, GB
Victorian Mahogany Studio Easel by Joseph Fitter of Birmingham
This exceptional large-scale professional artist's easel is a quintessential piece of high-Victorian studio equipment. ...
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Easels
Materials
Mahogany
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 Early 20th Century Adjustable Artist’s Easel
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This hand-made artist’s easel from turn of the century France (late 19th or early 20th) is an attractive solution to display large-scale art without a wall, allowing for more persona...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Other Easels
Materials
Metal
Ugly duckling door stop
Located in Firenze, FI
Keep your doors propped open in style with our adorable and durable duck door stop. Perfect for preventing slamming and adding charm to any room, it's a must...
Category
2010s Italian Easels
Materials
Brass
$758 / item
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


