Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is a painter’s stand called?

1 Answer
What is a painter’s stand called?
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
Shop for Easels on 1stDibs
English 19th Century Adjustable Artist’s Easel
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This dark pine artist’s easel from late 19th century England is an attractive solution to display art without a wall, allowing for more dynamic engagement with your collection as th...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Other Easels

Materials

Metal

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

Renaissance Revival Easel with Carved Lion’s Heads and Panels
Located in San Francisco, CA
Theater operators! Restaurant owners! Or those of you secretly possessing a lost Vermeer. (You know who you are.) In fact, anyone with items of very special notice to share with thos...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Renaissance Revival 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

Early 20th Century French Oak Floor Easel with 70" to 103" Adjustable Height
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French oak artist's floor easel from the turn of the twentieth century features iron casters and an iron pull lever mechanism that allows for an adjustable height of 70 to 103 i...
Category

Early 20th Century French Easels

Materials

Iron

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

Shop All