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Portrait Paintings For Sale
Antique French Signed Oil Painting Portrait of a Boston Terrier Dog
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Boston Terrier French artist, mid 20th century oil on on canvas, framed framed: 18 x 15 inches canvas : 16.5 x 13 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: a very few ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Mid Century French Painting of a Chic Grey Haired Lady With Pearl Earrings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Suzanne Dinkés (French, 1895 - 1984) Medium: oil on board, unframed Size : 14 x 10.5 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: The painting is in overa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Portrait of Elegant" Signed and dated 1895 Oil on Canvas in Frame
Located in Pistoia, IT
Octave GALLIAN (1855-1918) "Portrait of Elegant" , oil painting on canvas signed and dated 1895 lower right. Magnificent portrait depicting a young woman with deep dark eyes and rave...
Category

Late 19th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Marilyn Crying
Located in PARIS, FR
Original and unique artwork by Russell Young. Acrylic paint and enamel screen print on linen, unframed dimensions 62 x 48 inches, 2008, from the series "Fame + Shame". Bright and viv...
Category

Early 2000s Pop Art Portrait Paintings

Materials

Enamel

Marilyn Crying
Marilyn Crying
$11,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Angelo Dall'Oca Bianca, The Prayer of Mary, 1920
Located in Vicenza, VI
Positive photographic print with white lead highlights and charcoal trim of a painting depicting the prayer of Mary, both made by Angelo Dall'Oca Bianca. The photograph has the arti...
Category

1920s Portrait Paintings

Materials

Paper

Inside- 21st Century Contemporary Painting of a nude girl
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Daniela Astone Inside 60 x 50 cm Oil on canvas Daniela Astone works and lives in Florence. For years she was a teacher on the famous Florence Art Academy. Since 2022 she fulltime works as a painter. Her works are all around the world in great collections. For our exhibition 'A Female Gaze' Daniela Astone made a series of paintings where the female aspect of her life is the main subject. This series contains a series of seven paintings where you see a dancing couple. Female- male couples and male-male/ female-female couples. The Currator of Galerie Bonnard says about the paintings by Daniela Astone: The classical structure and narrative paintings show a technique that is special. Her style is virtuoso and her subjects narrative. The keys are loose and subtle. For this artist, standing in front of a painting means...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of a Girl Holding Wool - British Edwardian female portrait oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This beautiful British Edwardian portrait oil painting is by noted and much exhibited female artist Maud Marion Wear. Wear trained at the Royal Academy Schools in London for five yea...
Category

Early 1900s Pre-Raphaelite Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Lisa, Figurative, Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Mishurovski V.V. Work: Original oil painting, handmade artwork, one of a kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Style: Impressionism Year: 2020 Title: Athos monk father Siluan Size: 39....
Category

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on canvas "Silent Tempest"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Silent Tempest” is an abstract woman’s portrait by French contemporary artist Natalya Mougenot, painted in her distinctive expressionist and metamodernist style. Combining bold colo...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Madonna Child Conca 17/18th Century Paint Oil on copper Old master Roman school
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Sebastiano Conca (Gaeta 1680 – Naples 1764) circle Madonna and Child Oil on copper 26 x 20 cm In high-quality period frame 72 x 50 cm The work depicts the Madonna lovingl...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

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 Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

“Young Lady and Governess” by Constantino Sereno - Oil on Board - 89x67cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Artwork sold with frame (101.5 x 79 x 5 cm) Costantino Sereno (1829–1893) was an Italian painter renowned for his historical scenes, religious frescoes, and decorative works that en...
Category

1870s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Early 20th century English Antique portrait of a Polo Pony
Located in Woodbury, CT
This early 20th-century portrait of a Polo Pony by the esteemed English artist George Paice is an exquisite representation of equine artistry, showcasing Paice’s remarkable skill in ...
Category

1910s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Antique portrait oil painting female 19th century original oil on canvas
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Antique oil portrait painting of a woman. This painting is an attractive French portrait painting of a woman in a green dress. The artist has given this painting a depth of detail ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Antique American School WPA Modernist Black Figure Ashcan Dock View Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed.
Category

1920s Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Study of a Goat's Head" Frans Lebret (Dutch, 1820-1909)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"Study of a Goat" Frans Lebret (Netherlands, 1820-1909) Oil on paper on wood panel 9 x 10 (13 1/2 x 14 1/4 frame) inches Initialled lower right This is a simply stunning and deeply ...
Category

1870s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil, Wood Panel

Light - Figurative Ocean Fish Swimming Realism Original Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bay Area artist Michelle Fillmore found her love of oil painting at the University of Las Vegas, where she graduated with a BA in Painting and Drawin...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Late 19th Century Antique Oil Portrait of Young Peasant Girl Resting by Road
Located in Stockholm, SE
This enchanting original oil painting on canvas depicts a young Scandinavian peasant girl in traditional folk costume who has paused on a winding road to rest. The melancholic beauty...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Oil

“The Horse Race" #50 A Pierre Bosco (Italy/France, 1909-1993) circa 1950s
Located in SANTA FE, NM
“The Horse Race" #50 A Pierre Bosco, (1909-1993) Oil n canvas Signed lower right 12 x 15 inches “The savage art of Bosco bears its rudeness and its mystery. It is an art of pure ex...
Category

1960s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Emily - Colorful Original Figurative Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vibrant multimedia artworks incorporate reflective mediums and thick textures in Kate Tova's work. Colors splash across the page melding into flourishes of sequins, rhinestones, and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Sequins, Glitter, Mixed Media, Acrylic

YOUTH AND WISDOM Ciro De Rosa Italian School - Italy Figurative Oil on painting
Located in Napoli, IT
Youth and wisdom -Ciro De Rosa Italia 2007 - Oil on canvas cm.60x50 Gold leaf gilded wooden frame cm.82x73 available on request The painting by Ciro De Rosa is characterized by light...
Category

Early 2000s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Studio Sketch of Ella", Surrealist, Cream, Brown, Collage, Acrylic Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker’s “Studio Sketch of Ella” is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 20 x 16 inches in creams and browns. The painting is from the “Studio Visitors” series. When Ella a...
Category

2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

1930's British Oil Painting Portrait of Westminster School Boy in Uniform
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Young Westminster" by Kathleen Emily Temple-Bird (British 1879 - 1962) signed and dated 1931 oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 33 x 24 canvas: 29 x 20 inches condition: very go...
Category

1930s English School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Guardian Angel, 17th century Italian Old Master oil on copper
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Guardian Angel Italian School, 17th century Oil painting on copper, framed Framed size: 12 x 10.5 inches Fine quality early Italian Old Master oil on copper panel, dating to the 17t...
Category

17th Century Renaissance Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Dandy a Salon in Paris 19th Century portrait of a young man French painting
Located in Norwich, GB
A wonderful depiction of a dapper Parisian dandy, dating from 1848. I love his air of decadence! It is a work by F de Korff, a mysterious French aristocratic portrait artist who had ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A Pair of Indigenous Fillipino Portraits
Located in San Francisco, CA
One might reasonably ask: What were the 16th-century Spanish colonizers thinking when they took on the conquest of the Philippines? The archipelago nation is comprised of 7,641 islan...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

Traditional English Oil Painting Rural Crafts Portrait of Man in Woods
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Woodsman by John Edwards (1940 - 2020) signed oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 23.5 inches board : 23 x 18 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century English School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Flamenco Dancer Vintage French Signed Oil Painting Original Frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: Georges Regnault (French mid 20th century) Medium: Oil on Canvas Dimensions: Framed: 27 x 24 inches Canvas: 22 x 18 inches Provenance: Private Collection, France Condition: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Antique Dutch School original oil painting on canvas, Genre scene, Gold Frame
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This captivating antique oil painting on canvas is a fine example of Dutch School genre art, evoking the style of the 17th-century master Adriaen van Ostade. The composition features...
Category

Mid-19th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

17th Century Large Italian Old Master Oil Christ and the Penitent Canaanite
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
17th Century Italian School Christ and the Canaanite Woman oil on canvas, framed Framed: 30.5 x 35 inches in an antique gilt 'hollow' fra...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Green Abstract Face Original French Artwork Acrylic Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Original French Artwork by Robert Ladou (French 1929-2014) original acrylic painting on thick artist paper, unframed size: 13.5 x 10.5 inches condition: very good provenance: from t...
Category

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

'The Conversation Piece', oil on canvas by Tarkay
Located in St. Albans, GB
Itzchak Tarkay Picture Size: 40 x 32(99 x 80cm) Outside Frame Size: 49 x 41" (121 x 102cm) Free Shipping 1935 - 2012 Born on the Yugoslav-Hungarian border in the city of Subotica ...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Lady with Jewels Dutch School 18th century Signed with Frame
Located in Pistoia, IT
Portrait of a woman with jewelry, early 18th-century Dutch school by painter Gérard Wigama (1673-1741). Monogram in the lower right corner on the base of the GW column. Fine Arts exp...
Category

1720s Dutch School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of an Old Bearded Man
Located in Stockholm, SE
We are pleased to offer a captivating portrait, most likely painted in the late 18th century, attributed to an artist within the circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich. This oil ...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Late 19th Century Oil - A Fruit Seller
Located in Corsham, GB
A delightful Victorian oil study of a young boy selling fruit on a street corner. The basket of fruit has been painted with fine attention to detail and the child's face is almost an...
Category

Late 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

!8th century Irish or English portrait of a woman with Ermin, blue dressing lace
Located in Woodbury, CT
Wonderful 18th century Irish or English portrait, attributed to the Irish painter Nathaniel Hone. Nathaniel Hone was born in Dublin but by 1748 had set...
Category

1780s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Ferrari Prancing Horse 2" (2021) by Shan Fannin, Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Ferrari Prancing Horse 2" by Shan Fannin is an original acrylic painting depicting a close up view of a Ferrari ornament on a red car. Born 1969 in California, artist Shannon “Sha...
Category

2010s Photorealist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Old Woman - Painting by Luciano Schifano - 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Pastel and watercolor drawing realized by Luciano Schifano in 1980s. Includes a contemporary wooden frame cm. 51x42. Very good condition.
Category

1980s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge 1900's French Impressionist Oil on Canvas Nude Model Artists Interior
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Artists Model French Impressionist, circa 1900's oil on canvas, unframed indistinctly signed with initials to the corner canvas: 51.5 x 35.5 inches Provenance: private collection...
Category

Early 20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Mid Century French Impressionist Painting Portrait of a Nude Black Haired Lady
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Suzanne Dinkés (French, 1895 - 1984) Medium: oil on board, unframed Size : 14 x 10.5 inches Double sided Provenance: private collection, France Condition: The painti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Nude Male with Towel
Located in New York, NY
Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Nude Male with Towel n.d. Signed in red, u.r. Oil on canvas mounted to Masonite 81.875 x 34.25 inches This work is offered by ClampArt in New York City.
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Masonite, Oil

19thC English Sporting Scene – Bay Horse & Groom In A Landscape, Oil Painting
Located in Cheltenham, GB
US buyers pay no import tariffs on this item. This early 19th-century oil painting by English artist W.S. Cooper (act. 1832-1834) depicts a bay hunter and groom in a landscape with ...
Category

1830s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Huge 1960s French Signed Oil - Portrait of Fashionable Woman Emerald Green Dress
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, circa 1960's, signed with monogram Title: Portrait of a fashionable lady in an emerald green dress. Medium: oil...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

SUPERB 20th CENTURY FRENCH MODERNIST PAINTING - NUDE MODEL IN INTERIOR ROOM
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"The Model" by Jean Marc (French 1949-2019) gouache paint painting: 18.25 x 15 inches provenance: private collection, South of France Superb original painting by the widely exhibit...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Figure Painting, Nature, Green Flora, Picnic Among the Ferns by America Martin
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
America Martin "Picnic Among the Ferns" Oil & Acrylic on Canvas 40 x 60 inches 41.5 x 61.5 inches framed Exploring the identity of both her namesake and country, LA-based Ameri...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

American Folk Art Portrait "Little Girl with Curls on Forehead"
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
5191 After on American Folk art oil painting of 1st half 18th century painting by Linda Baxter signed and described on verso Oil painting on solid thick wide pine board 17" wide
Category

1960s Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Mid to Late 19th Century Portrait of an Elegant Young Woman
Located in San Francisco, CA
Superb Mid to Late 19th Century Portrait of an Elegant Young Woman The sitter is an elegant young woman in her finest dress and jewelry. Original oil on canvas. Dimensions 22" x 27...
Category

Mid-19th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1830's French Romantic Period Large Oil Painting Christ on the Cross
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Crucifixion French School, circa 1830's circle of Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 37.5 x 22.5 inches provenance: private collection, northern France ...
Category

Early 19th Century Romantic Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Mid 19th Century Oil
Located in Corsham, GB
This wonderfully fine 19th-century portrait showcases a young girl in an elegant gingham dress, holding a basket of flowers against a dark background. The ornate gold frame adds to t...
Category

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Escuela española (XIX) - Santa Bárbara - Óleo sobre tela
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra no va firmada, es de autor anónimo Se presenta enmarcada la obra (la placa que pone "ESCUELA SEVILLANA XVIII" es errónea, esta obra es del siglo XIX Estado de conservación ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Follower of Salvatore Maresca - Early 20th Century Oil, Portrait of an Old Man
Located in Corsham, GB
A charismatic portrait of an elderly gentleman clutching a bottle of red wine and a full fiasco. Signed' S. Maresca' to the lower right. Copied from the artist's original work. On ca...
Category

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

'Masri' by Masri - Large Colorful Contemporary Abstract Self Portrait Painting
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri (Lebanese, born 1965) "Masri" 2023 Oil paint, Acrylic paint, Canvas, Stretcher bars The artist signed the bottom right and back of the painting. Masri’s "Masri" is a striking ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Liberty IX /// Jack Graves Statue of Liberty New York France United States Paint
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Liberty IX" Series: Icon *Signed by Graves lower left. It is also signed, titled, and dated on verso Year: 2025 Medium: Original Acr...
Category

2010s Pop Art Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Acrylic

Argentine Tango, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This painting captures an intimate moment between two dancers. Artist Duane Brown uses a restrained yet intentional palette. The pale dress of the woman contras...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Flemish School--Girl in Chair-1631- Renaissance
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite oil painting on wood, created by an unknown Flemish artist in 1594, depicts a young girl seated in a chair. The artwork is in very good condition, though some modest r...
Category

16th Century Renaissance Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of Adefunke
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Portrait of Adefunke" is an original painting created by Eyitayo Alagbe. Eyitayo created "Portrait of Adefunke" with Mixed Media on a Primed canvas of 20Wby 26H Inches The Portrait...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic

Late 19th Century Portrait of a Nun, Italian Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Luigi Morgari (Italian, 1857–1935) The Nun Oil on canvas mounted on board Signed lower right 14 x 12 inches 21.5 x 19.5 inches, framed There is a minor chip to the bottom right corn...
Category

Late 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

THE RED SCARFE
Located in Pollenca, Illes Baleares
Franco Matania 1922 - 2006 Franco Matania was of Italian origin. He was a pupil of his uncle, the distinguished artist and illustrator, Fortunino Matania RI 1881-1963, and was an art...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Pastel

Irreplaceable You - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
How do you feel when you know you're irreplaceable? People in general are irreplaceable in life. We are ourselves that cannot be copied in a sense of personality. Simply similar Sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Self-portrait (portrait of man)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Wesley Lea (1914-1981). Self-portrait, ca. 1940. Oil on canvas, 12 x 17 inches. Signed lower left center "WESLEA" as was his practice in 1930s-40's. Unframed.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait Paintings for Sale on 1stDibs

An elegant and sophisticated decorative touch in any living space, portrait paintings have remained popular throughout the years and are widely loved pieces of art for display in many homes today.

Portrait paintings are at least as old as ancient Egypt, where realistic, lifelike depictions of the recently deceased — commonly known as “mummy portraits” — were painted on wooden panels and affixed to mummies as part of the burial tradition.

For centuries, painters have used portraiture as a means of expressing a subject’s nobility, societal status and authority. Portraits were given as gifts in Renaissance Europe, and a portrait artist might have been commissioned to help mark a significant occasion such as a wedding or a promotion to high office. Prior to the advent of photography, which eventually replaced painted portraits as a quicker and more efficient way of capturing a person’s essence, the subject of a portrait had to sit for hours until the painter had finished. And during the 18th century in particular, if an artist commissioned for a portrait struggled with how to adequately memorialize and capture a subject’s likeness, sometimes a portrait painting wasn’t completed for up to a year.

Whether it’s part of the gallery-style approach to your living-room or dining-room walls or merely inspiration as you devise an eye-grabbing color scheme in your home, a portrait painting is a timeless decorative object for any interior. A landscape painting or sculpture might give you the kind of insight into a specific region of the world or a different culture that you can ascertain only through art. Similarly, when you take the time to learn about the subject of a portrait painting that you bring into your home — the sitter’s history, the relationship between the sitter and the artist should one exist, the story of how the portrait came to be — that work can become intensely personal in addition to its place as an object for an art-hungry corner of your apartment or house.

On 1stDibs, visit a vast collection of famous portrait paintings or works by emerging artists. Search by medium to find the right portrait paintings for your home in oil paint, synthetic resin paint and more. Find portrait paintings in a variety of styles, too, including contemporary, Impressionist and Pop art, or search by artist to find unique works created by painters such as Mark Beard, Steve Kaufman and Montse Valdés.

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