Questions & Answers
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What is the difference between fine and functional art?
1 Answer

The difference between fine and functional art is its purpose. Functional art usually has a practical use. Ceramics, textiles and industrial design are examples of functional art. On the other hand, fine art typically exists to tell a story, convey a message or express an idea. Examples of fine art include paintings, prints and sculptures. Shop a wide variety of fine and functional art on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
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Shop for Art on 1stDibs
Fuchsia Bellflowers, Illustration Style Painting, Wild Flowers, Spring Bouquet
Located in Barcelona, ES
This vibrant painting captures the graceful charm of delicate Fuchsia Bellflowers. Sweeping brushstrokes and vivid colors bring these flowers to life, highlighting their stylized sha...
Category
2010s Expressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
India Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor
"American Cheese", Sewn Collage of Cheesesteak Shop in Textile Cityscape
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"American Cheese" is an original artwork by Eustace Mamba and measures 24"h x 24"w x 1.5"d. The artists cuts, arranges, sews, and collages fabric and paints to create layers of textu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mixed Media
Materials
Textile, Paint, Mixed Media
Flordali : Surrealist self-portrait - Original Handsigned Etching (Field #68-3 C
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI
Flordali : Surrealist self-portrait, 1969
Original Lithograph and Etching
Signed in the plate and handsigned in pencil
Numbered /175 copies
On Japan paper 77 x 57 cm ...
Category
1960s Surrealist Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching, Lithograph
"Beneath the Blue Ridge"
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Beneath the Blue Ridge" is from my series dedicated to the beauty of Austrian nature. The beauty of nature and the lake where I live inspired me to create this series. Made by blend...
Category
2010s Landscape Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
GARDEN ROMANCE Signed Lithograph, Black Couple Portrait, Lovers, Flower Garden
Located in Union City, NJ
GARDEN ROMANCE by the artist James Denmark is an original hand drawn, limited edition lithograph(not a photo reproduction or digital print) printed on archival Somerset paper using t...
Category
1990s Contemporary Portrait Prints
Materials
Lithograph
30 MG Love Hope Combo (blue, yellow, white) - figurative sculpture
By Tal Nehoray
Located in New York, NY
This new work by Tal Nehoray is from her latest body of works called "Happy Pills".
All are hand made with ceramic and hand painted with automotive paint.
It is a combination of 2 ce...
Category
2010s Pop Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Automotive Paint