Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Related Questions
- Who is called a Futurist painter?1 Answer
- Who was the painter called Bernard?1 Answer
- What is a standing lamp called?1 Answer
- What is a sculpture stand called?1 Answer
- What is a Bible stand called?1 Answer
Shop for Easels on 1stDibs
Antique Art Nouveau Brass Table Easel
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau ornate solid brass table size art easel or picture stand. This lovely stand is a nice large size and sturdy, perfect for displaying art, pictures, or b...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Easels
Materials
Brass
Antique Early 20th Century Portable Folding Used Beechwood Easel
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant field easel was made in France in the early 1900s. The easel is fully adjustable in height and width and it also incorporates a drawer for keeping the paint. The whole p...
Category
Early 20th Century French Easels
Materials
Beech, Paint
$2,273 Sale Price
42% Off
Late Nineteenth Century French Faux Bamboo Easel
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French faux bamboo A-frame easel features a 2 inch deep tray which adjusts up and down to different heights by moving the tr...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Easels
Materials
Faux Bamboo
Antique Adjustable Tapestry Frame, English Needlepoint Stretcher, Late Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique adjustable tapestry frame. An English, mahogany country house needlepoint stretcher, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880.
Appealing tapestry frame off...
Category
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Easels
Materials
Mahogany
$1,640 Sale Price
20% Off
Rococo Style Brass Display Easel, Antique Artwork Stand, 1970s Design
By Arthur Court
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rococo style brass display easel for artwork or photo.
Category
Vintage 1970s Korean Rococo Easels
Materials
Brass
French Antique Oak Easel, Adjustable Height, Circa 1870
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This wonderful easel is adjustable in the height and on the side.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Easels
Materials
Oak


