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Art For Sale
Style: Victorian
Style: Old Masters
Antique English Oil Figures in Snowy Woodland Traditional Landscape signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Winter Woodland by S. William (British, late 19th century) signed oil on panel, framed Framed: 18 x 26.5 inches panel: 13 x 21 inches Inscribed verso with old Christies provenance Pr...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
David Morier (c.1705–1770 London) An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier (1680–1770) Oil on canvas Canvas size - 40 x 50 in Framed size - 48 ...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Colliers lying in the Thames at Deptford and unloading their cargoes for London
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Peter Monamy (London 1681-1749) Colliers lying in the Thames at Deptford and unloading their cargoes for the London market signed 'P: Monamy: Pinx' lower left Oil on canvas Canvas Si...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Very Large 19th Century Scottish Highlands Loch Landscape Figures & Water Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
By the Loch's Edge Victorian Scottish artist, 19th century indistinctly signed lower front corner oil painting on canvas, framed Framed: 23.5 x 34 inches Canvas : 20 x 30 inches Prov...
Category

19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Holy Family with the Young St John The Baptist and St Elizabeth
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Scipione Pulzone, called Il Gaetano (Gaeta 1544 - Rome 1598) Holy Family with the Young St John The Baptist and St Elizabeth Oil on canvas A Royal Coat of Arms lower left Canvas size...
Category

16th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Madonna and Child 1800's English Oil on Canvas with Circular Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna and Child English Old Master, c. 1800 oil on canvas, unframed (relined canvas) Canvas: 14.5 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good condition De...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Florals in classic urn Old Masters 17th century Dutch style
Located in Hillsborough, NC
Floral with Urn is in a classical Dutch style that dates to the 17th century. The bright flowers drape the urn in whites, crimsons and pinks, standing out against the darker foliage...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Edward William Cooke RA, West-Country Cove With Cottages, Family & Donkeys
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This idyllic late 19th-century oil painting by English artist Edward William Cooke RA (1811-1880) depicts a west-country cove with two cottages, donkeys, figures, and fishing boats. ...
Category

1870s Victorian Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

19th Century British Dog Painting Spaniel & Her Puppy Flagstone Floor Barn
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Spaniel & Her Puppy English School, 19th century signed 'Burham' lower corner oil painting on board, framed in a maple veneered frame framed: 9.5 x 12.5 inches board : 7 x 10 inc...
Category

19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Fine Antique German Signed Oil Painting Portrait of Bavarian Lady in Head Dress
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady by Theodor Recknagl (1865-1945) German signed oil on board, unframed board : 7.5 x 6 inches Attached provenance documents Provenance: private collection, England C...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Flemish Early 17th Century Old Master Oil on Panel Painting Hunting Scene 1620
Located in Portland, OR
A highly important Flemish Old Master oil painting by Peter Van Lint (1609-1690), titled "Preparing for the Hunt", the painting is dated & signed by the artist, 1620. The painting wa...
Category

1620s Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

News from the Front - 19th Century Oil Painting Royal Academy Exhibition 1849
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘News from the Front’ by Frederick Goodall R.A. H.R.I. (1822-1904). The painting – which depicts a diverse cross-section of Victorian figures gathered outside a post office as they...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Antique English Oil Painting c. 1900's Portrait of Auburn Hair Girl in Red Dress
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Young Girl, Auburn Hair wearing a red dress English School, late 19th/ early 20th century period late Victorian/ early Edwardian oil on board, framed Framed: 30.5 x 24 ...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Sunset Across the Scottish Highlands Traditional Loch Scene Signed Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Sunset over the Highland Loch by F. E. Jamieson (British 1895-1950) signed with the artists pseudonym 'Graham Williams'. oil on canvas, framed framed: 19 x 17 inches canvas: 16 x 24...
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

19th Century Oil Painting Victorian Holiday Summer Landscape Royal Academy 1859
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘A Day in the Country’ by William Frederick Witherington R.A. (1785-1865). The painting – which depicts a group of Victorian figures on a summer’s day before an extensive landscape ...
Category

1850s Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

19th century English Warship at sea, calm water with row boat resupplying
Located in Woodbury, CT
Adolphus Knell Warship at anchor, in calm seas. Adolphus Knell was a renowned British maritime artist of the 19th century, recognized for his detailed and atmospheric paintings of ...
Category

1880s Victorian Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

17th century Dutch Old Master - Summertime landscape of Kleve in 1661
Located in Aartselaar, BE
17th century Dutch old master painting "A summer day in Kleve in 1661" Our painting depicting a whimsical vibrant blue sky, was long believed to depict an Italian landscape. However...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Beggar man and woman coming from behind a bank – after Rembrandt van Rijn
Located in Middletown, NY
Etching on cream laid paper laid down to a wove paper support, 4 x 2 5/8 inches (101 x 67 mm) (sheet). In good condition with scattered light areas of discoloration. Printed early 19...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Etching

Summer Meadows Wild Flowers by River, Original Victorian Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Summer Meadows Victorian oil painting by Thomas James Purchas (British 1855-1930) with name plaque to frame oil painting on board, framed within ornate scrolled gilt frame framed: 10...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

'Waggoner', a greyhound in a landscape
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Thomas Gooch (1750-1802) 'Waggoner', a greyhound in a landscape Signed and dated 'T. Gooch 1799' lower right Oil on canvas Painting Size - 14 x 17 1/2 in Framed Size - 18 1/2 x 22in...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Large Antique Oil Painting The Mona Lisa after da Vinci's Famous Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Mona Lisa after Leonardo da Vinci French artist, 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: good and sound condi...
Category

20th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Fine 17th Century Old Master Portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria Exceptional Frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria, British/ Flemish, 17th century Circle of Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) Flemish. Oil on canvas, 25.25" x 20.5" (64.1 x 52cm) the work is presented ...
Category

Mid-17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of a lady in blue dress ”Countess of Peterborough”
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite portrait, with its new attribution to Theodore Russel, is believed to depict Lady Penelope O'Brien, daughter of Barnabas O'Brien, the sixth Earl of Thomond, and wife of the Earl of Peterborough, whom she married in 1644. The painting thus belongs to a historically significant period, capturing the refined elegance of the time. The portrait has a prestigious provenance from Elleholms Hofgård, a historic estate in Mörrums socken, Blekinge, Sweden. Elleholms Hofgård, whose two-story, timber-framed main building was constructed in 1730 and expanded in 1804, has changed ownership several times since the 17th century. The ancestors of the present owners acquired the estate in 1915, and from the 20th century until 2023, this painting was prominently displayed in the estate’s main building, making it an integral part of the estate’s history. Theodore Russel, an English portrait artist born in 1614, studied under the renowned Sir Anthony van Dyck, whose influence can be seen in Russel’s meticulous style. Russel often painted on cabinet-sized panels, such as this one, which measures approximately 39 x 31 cm. This preference for panels is a notable characteristic that sets him apart from contemporary artists like Sir Peter Lely, who exclusively used canvas. The size of the panel is a key reason for the reattribution to Russel from Peter lely, as Lely never used panels for his works. This distinctive format, along with Russel’s characteristic style, strongly supports the new attribution. Russel, the son of Nicasius Rousseel, a goldsmith and jeweler to James I and Charles I, refined his skills under the mentorship of his uncle, the famous portrait painter Cornelis Janssen. He also worked as an assistant and copyist for van Dyck, further honing his artistic style. This captivating portrait exemplifies Russel’s craftsmanship, reflecting the elegance of the period’s fashion and the artist's refined techniques. oil on wood panel with indistinct inscription Countess of Peter[...] upper left. with inscription on the reverse: ”Countess of Peterborough. P. Lely 1670. S Beatty Picture Restorer [...] Warwick”. unframed 39 x 31 cm = 15.35 x 12.2 inches framed 52 x 41.5 cm = 20.47 x 16.34 inches Condition: The portrait has just been restored by a professional art conservator in Stockholm and is now in a very good condition. The colors are vivid, and the skin tones appear more natural than before. It is a very fine painting. The frame is newly made and included. Provenance: Elleholms Hofgård, Mörrums socken, Blekinge, Sweden **; Stockholms Auktionsverk, Fine Art & Antiques Autumn...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Huge Italian Old Master Assumption of the Virgin Oil Painting after Murillo
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Assumption of the Virgin Italian artist, 18th century based on the earlier composition by Murillo oil on canvas, framed framed: 38 x 30.5 inches canvas: 32 x 24 inches provenance...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Huge Victorian Scottish Oil Painting Highland Cattle in Misty Mountain Glen 1873
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Highland Cattle Drive Artist: Henry Garland (British, 1834-1919) Medium: Oil on Canvas Dimensions: Canvas: 30 x 50 inches With Frame: 36 x 56 inches Date: Signed ...
Category

1870s Victorian Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

St. John the Baptist in the wilderness , Ecce Agnus Dei (Behold the Lamb of God)
By Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Il Guercino)
Located in Middletown, NY
Pen and sepia ink and wash on vellum, 8 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches (225 x 267 mm). In very good condition with some modern notations in pencil on the verso, minor cockling, and a 1-inch hor...
Category

Mid-17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Vellum, Pencil

Fine Victorian Oil Painting Cavalry Men Resting Village Tavern Roadside Inn
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pausing for Refreshments by John Sanderson Wells (British 1872-1955) *see notes below signed oil on board, framed Framed: 13.5 x 18 inches Canvas : 10...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Rare 18th Century English Still Life of Grapes, Peaches and Strawberries
Located in Harkstead, GB
A rare and most attractive still life by William Jones of Bath. The sumptuous textures of the peaches, grapes and strawberries contrasting with the dark background. A really handsome...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large White Marble Head of Alexander the Great Rome 17th century Sculpture
Located in Pistoia, IT
Bellissima e imponente testa neoclassica in marmo di Alessandro Magno, Italia, Roma, XVII secolo. Fine Arts export certificate available. Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.), who enj...
Category

1660s Old Masters Art

Materials

Marble

19th Century English Oil Painting Cattle in Tranquil Pastoral Landscape framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tranquil Pastures English, mid 19th century circle of Thomas Sidney Cooper (1803-1902) oil on canvas, framed framed: 14 x 18 inches canvas: 10 x 14 inches provenance: private collect...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

17th Century Dutch Old Master Ink Drawing Christ on the Cross Many Figures 1674
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Christ on the Cross attributed to Jan Luyken (Dutch, 1649–1712) inscribed 1674 upper corner pencil drawing, watercolor and ink wash on paper over oard, framed framed: 12 x 11 inches ...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Color Pencil, Ink, Watercolor

Very Large 1700's Dutch Old Master Oil Painting The Nativity Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Nativity Dutch Old Master, early 1700's period oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 36 x 27.5 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condition, some scuf...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Fine 18th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Painting Cattle & Sheep Ancient Ruins
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastoral Landscape Dutch Old Master, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 12 x 10 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: good a...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

18th century English marine Battle scene between Dutch and British warships
By Francis Swaine
Located in Woodbury, CT
Attributed to Francis Swaine (British, 1725–1782) Naval Engagement at Sea, 18th century Oil on panel In this evocative seascape, a cluster of ships—flags raised, cannons fired—conve...
Category

1760s Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Antique English 19th Century, King Charles Cavalier and Westie dogs in a room
Located in Woodbury, CT
Antique Victorian English 19th Century, King Charles Cavalier spaniel and Westie terrier in an interior. This exquisite English 19th-century painting by...
Category

1850s Victorian Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A Vanitas still life
By Evert Collier
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Attributed to Evert Collier (1642-1708) A vanitas still life Oil on canvas Canvas Size 30 x 25 in Framed Size 29 x 34 in Evert Collier (a...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Scottish Mountainous Landscape Tranquil Loch Antique Scottish Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Scottish Mountain Landscape By Alex Fraser, Scottish School, late 19th century Oil on canvas, unsigned, framed Framed: 13 x 20 inches Canvas: 10 x 18 inches Provenance: Private colle...
Category

19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Large 17th century Italian old master - Noli me tangere - Christ in the garden
By Pier Francesco Cittadini
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Large 17th century Italian old master - Noli me tangere - Christ in the garden with Mary Magdalene The Italian art historian Federico Zeri has conserved a painting in his archives w...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine 1800's Italian Grand Tour Oil Painting Figures before Classical Buildings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Arcadian View Italian School, circa 1800 Grand Tour subject oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 12 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and sound cond...
Category

Early 1800s Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

19th century English Antique Portrait of a terrier or toy dog
Located in Woodbury, CT
Edwin Loder – son of famous artist James Loder – originally enlisted in the 62nd Regiment of Foot in 1846 at the age of 19, serving mainly in India. After 20 years in the Forces, Ed...
Category

1860s Victorian Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Wonderful Victorian oil of cows grazing in the Welsh or English hills
Located in Harkstead, GB
An idyllic view of cattle and sheep grazing in a pasture before an oak tree with a blue sky with bollowing clouds beyond. William S Rose (1810-1873) Cattle and sheep grazing in rou...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

17th century follower of Rubens, two military men on horse back in a landscape
Located in Woodbury, CT
17th century English/Dutch School, from the Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens A very interesting and well-painted 17th-century oil on canvas of two men seated on horseback in a landsc...
Category

1680s Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Madonna with Christ Child & St. John Fine 18th Century Italian Old Master
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian School, 18th century oil on wood, framed in period gilt antique frame framed: 16 x 14.5 inches wood: 9 x 6.5 inches provenance: private...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Portrait of Bartholomeus Spranger with an Allegory on the Death of his Wife
Located in Middletown, NY
Sadeler, Aegidius II, after Bartholomeus Spranger Portrait of Bartholomeus Spranger with an Allegory on the Death of his Wife, Christina Muller Engraving on hand made laid paper wit...
Category

Early 17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Laid Paper, Engraving

Holy Family St John Scarsella Paint 17th Century Oil on table Old master Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Ippolito Scarsella, known as Lo Scarsellino (Ferrara, c. 1550 - 1620) workshop Holy Family with the Infant St John oil on arched panel 46 x 29 cm. in a small temple frame 75 x 55 cm This interesting work shows us one of the most sought-after iconographic subjects in the Christian tradition, presented here according to an ancient and proven scheme. We see the Virgin, majestic, in the centre of the scene while holding a chubby child, who is offering a small bird to the young St John (tradition has it that it is a goldfinch, one of the symbols of the passion of Christ) to be caressed. Completing the Holy Family, we can see Saint Joseph in the shadows, apart from the loving everyday scene depicted in the foreground, calmly leaning on his walking stick. Regarding the stylistic characteristics of this small panel, it is easy to recognise the influence of 16th and 17th century Emilian painting, which leads us to confirm its traditional attribution to Ippolito Scarsella (circa 1550 - 1620) from Ferrara, undoubtedly one of the most important artists of this pictorial context. It could very well be a trial sketch...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Fine 1830's English Oil Painting on panel Countryside Rural Lane with Gilt Frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Country Lane English School, circa 1830's period oil on panel, framed in period antique gilt frame framed: 19 x 17 inches board: 14 x 13 inches Provenance: private collection, En...
Category

Early 19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Antique Circular Oil Painting Flagellation of Christ, 18th Century Old Master
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Flagellation of Christ Italian, 18th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 15 x 14 inches Canvas : 12 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good conditio...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Fine 18th Century British Old Master Oil The Young Shepherdess with Lamb
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Young Shepherd English School, 18th century circle of Sir Joshua Reynolds oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 30 x 25 inches Provenance: Private collection Condition: very good condi...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Figures in Winter Dutch Snow Landscape Large 19th Century Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Winter Landscape Dutch School, 19th century oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 22 x 28 inches canvas: 16.5 x 23 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very goo...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Huge 1850's Irish Romantic Sunset Landscape over Lough Waters & Mountains
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Irish Sunset Irish School, mid 19th century, circa 1850 oil on canvas, framed framed: 34 x 32.5 inches canvas: 28 x 26 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very g...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Sunset Antique Scottish Landscape Signed Oil Painting Cottage by Highland Loch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tranquil Mountain Lake at Sunset signed by F. E. Jamieson (British 1895-1950) signed with one of the artists pseudonym's oil on canvas, framed framed: 25 x 35 inches canvas: 20 x 30 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

18th Century French Portrait of Mysterious Man Oil on Canvas for restoration
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Gentleman French School, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 25 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: the painting is in sound conditi...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Venice by Moonlight - 19th Century Oil Painting of Grand Canal under a Full Moon
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
'Venice by Moonlight' by Henry Pether (1800-1880). The painting – which depicts an extensive nocturnal view of the Grand Canal with the Palazzo Pisani Gritti to the left and the Dor...
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Fine Spanish Old Master style Oil Painting Flowers in Ornate Vase
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Still Life of Flowers Studio of Miguel Canals, Spanish 1925-1995 stamped with the studio mark verso oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 23.5 x 18 inches Provenance: private col...
Category

20th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

The Cornish Fisherman Antique English Signed Oil Painting Portrait of Sea Man
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"The Old Salt" (Cornish fisherman) by David W. Haddon (British, late 19th/ early 20th century) signed and dated oil on board, framed framed: 18 x 14 inches board: 16 x 12 inches ...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Important 18th Century Royal Academy Oil Painting of Georgian London Festival
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘St. James’ Day’ by Richard Morton Paye (1750-1820). This large and important 18th century oil on canvas depicts a diverse crowd of Londoners at an oyster stand on a summer’s eveni...
Category

1780s Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Huge 18th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Still Life Fruit in Basket
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Still Life of Fruit in Basket with other objects Italian artist, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24.5 x 33 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition:...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

19th Century English Victorian Portrait of Two Dogs in a Field Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Two Dogs English artist, mid 19th century oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 18 x 14 inches Provenance: Private collection, England Condition: The painting is in good condit...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Art

Materials

Oil

Shop Art on 1stDibs: Photography, Drawings, Prints, Sculptures and Paintings for Sale

Whether growing your current fine art collection or taking the first steps on that journey, you will find an extensive range of original photography, drawings, prints, sculptures, paintings and more on 1stDibs.

Visual art is among the oldest forms of expression, and it has been evolving for centuries. Beautiful objects can provide a window to the past or insight into our current time. Art collecting enhances daily life through the presence of meaningful work. It displays an appreciation for culture, whether a print by Elizabeth Catlett channeling social change or a narrative quilt by Faith Ringgold.

Contemporary art has lured more initiates to collecting than almost any other category, with notable artists including Yayoi Kusama, Marc Chagall, Kehinde Wiley and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Navigating the waiting lists for the next Marlene Dumas, Jeff Koons or Jasper Johns has become competitive.

When you’re living with art, particularly as people more often work from home and enjoy their spaces, it’s important to choose art that resonates with you. While the richness of art with its many movements, styles and histories can be overwhelming, the key is to identify what is appealing and inspiring. Artwork can play with the surrounding color of a room, creating a layered approach. The dynamic shapes and sizes of sculptures can set different moods, such as a bronze by Miguel Guía on a mantel or an Alexander Calder mobile suspended over a table. A wall of art can evoke emotions in an interior while showing off your tastes and interests. A salon-style wall mixing eclectic pieces like landscape paintings with charcoal drawings is a unique way to transform a space and show off a collection.

For art meditating on the subconscious, investigate Surrealists like Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí. Explore Pop art and its leading artists such as Andy Warhol, Rosalyn Drexler and Keith Haring for bright and bold colors. Not only did these artists question art itself, but also how we perceive society. Similarly, 20th-century photography and abstract painting reconsidered the intent of art.

Abstract Expressionists like Helen Frankenthaler and Lee Krasner and Color Field artists including Sam Gilliam broke from conventional ideas of painting, while Op artists such as Yaacov Agam embraced visual trickery and kinetic movement. Novel visuals are also integral to contemporary work influenced by street art, such as sculptures and prints by KAWS.

Realist portraiture is a global tradition reflecting on what makes us human. This is reflected in the work of Slim Aarons, an American photographer whose images are at once candid and polished and appeared in Holiday magazine and elsewhere. Innovative artists Mickalene Thomas and Kerry James Marshall are now offering new perspectives on the form.

Collecting art is a rewarding, lifelong pursuit that can help connect you with the creative ways historic, modern and contemporary artists have engaged with the world. For more tips on piecing together an art collection, see our guide to buying and displaying art.

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