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Portrait Paintings For Sale
Portrait Of A Elizabethan Gentleman Traditionally Identified As Edmund Spenser
Located in Blackwater, GB
Portrait Of A Elizabethan Gentleman Traditionally Identified As Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) Large Elizabethan School portrait of gentleman traditional...
Category

17th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

An Apple A Day
Located in Atlanta, GA
From the artist: "The symbol of the Apple has held significance for humans throughout recorded history. In the bible it represents the forbidden. It was used by Newton to explain gra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art Portrait Paintings

Materials

Latex, Oil, Panel

An Apple A Day
An Apple A Day
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Women in Deckchairs
Located in London, GB
'Women in Deckchairs', oil on canvas, by Camille Hilaire (circa 1960s). Folding wooden chairs with woven or cane seats and backs, of the type now...
Category

1960s Cubist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1930's French Modernist Portrait of Black Haired Lady with Fringe Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Woman with Black Hair and Fringe styling by Anton Sailer (French 1903-1987) Signed & dated 1930 oil on canvas, framed Framed: 23.5 x 18 inches Canvas: 18.5 x 13.5 inches ...
Category

1930s Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Mary Louise Coulouris (1939-2011) - Signed and dated 20th Century Oil, The Vase
Located in Corsham, GB
An interesting oil scene of two nude figures in a broken vase surrounded by flowers. The artist has signed and dated to the lower right. On canvas on stret...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Entry of Jesus to Jerusalem
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in 1944 in the canton of Fribourg, Gilbert Pauli currently lives in Geneva, where he devotes himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed from his childhood. His fa...
Category

1990s Art Deco Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Judaica Market Scene, Shuk, European Hasidic Rabbi Oil Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
framed sight size 10 x 13.5 inches painting, framed to 15 x 19. Impressionistic Realistic portrait of an older rabbi visiting the marketplace. Children playing. Here the artist conveys a sense of quiet grandeur through the eyes of his subject and the way it's rendered. following a distinguished lineage of Jewish genre...
Category

Early 20th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Inner Nature 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women on African Fabric
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. “Your mind knows...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Renaissance Style Italian Old Master Painting Madonna & Child Tender Embrace
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
19th/ early 20th Century Italian School Madonna and Child oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 24 inches provenance: private collection, UK co...
Category

Late 19th Century Renaissance Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Seek Within -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Introspection
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Borders Not Boundaries - 21st Century, Contemporary, Impressionism, Floral Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the course of fulfilling aspired dreams, life throws different challenges at you. These challenges are borders, not boundaries which are meant to be crossed to get to a desired en...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

'The Papakha', A Pre Revolutionary Nobleman From the Caucasus. Oil on Canvas.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A large French oil on canvas portrait of a dignitary from the Caucasus by Théophile Paul Marie Bérengier. The painting is signed and dated b...
Category

1890s Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Antique American Modernist WPA Female Portrait Interior Exhibited Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist interior portrait oil painting. Oil on board, circa 1930. Unsigned. Displayed in a period modernist frame. Exhibition provenance verso. Image size, 25"L ...
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Banana Plantation Guadeloupe
Located in London, GB
'The Banana Plantation Guadeloupe', oil on canvas, by Robert Humblot (1959). In 1959, when the artist visited French Guadeloupe, he painted several colo...
Category

1950s Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

gypsy woman oil on canvas painting
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Josep Serrasanta (1916-1998) - Gypsy woman - Oil on canvas Oil measures 65x50 cm. Frame measures 88x73 cm. Josep Serrasanta was born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 1916 - 1998 Valdo...
Category

1980s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Me and You - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Love Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Dogon by Christophe Dupety - Female nude painting, abstract, vivid tones, bright
Located in Paris, FR
Dogon is a unique oil on canvas painting by contemporary artist Christophe Dupety, dimensions are 55 × 46 cm (21.7 × 18.1 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and comes with a ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Street Mouse" Mickey Mouse & 100 Dollar Bills Pop Art Acrylic Canvas Painting
Located in New York, NY
A pop piece depicting Mickey Mouse juxtaposed with 100 Dollar Bills. With impasto painting, thrown paint and quick brushwork we are drawn to the movem...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

May that be the reflection I see- 21st Century Contemporary portrait Painting
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Tania Rivilis May that be the reflection I see 50 x 50 cm framed (included in price) 53,5 x 53,5 cm Oilpaint on wood panel Tania Rivilis (b. 1986) 2022 winner of the 'William Loc...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Large French Expressionist Oil Portrait, The Seated Beauty.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Large French Mid 20th Century, oil on paper laid on canvas, portrait of a seated female figure by Sylvain Vigny. The painting is signed bottom left and presented in a very fine carve...
Category

Mid-20th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paper, Oil

Galaxy - Colorful Original Abstract Gestural Figurative Portrait Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
As your gaze lingers on one of Sally K’s paintings, you notice how Sally’s brush strokes add playfulness and life to the canvas, incorporating unexpected images and abstract color co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic

1960's French Oil Painting Fashionable Lady in Paris on Bridge River Seine
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pausing for Thought Paris School, mid 20th century signed oil on canvas, unframed painting: 25 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: very good and sound condition
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

A portrait of John Poyntz, after Hans Holbein, ca. 1644 - 1674
Located in New York, NY
A portrait of courtier and politician John Poyntz, after Hans Holbein, circa 1644 - 1674. This painting is based on a drawing by Hans Holbein, part of the drawings collection of the ...
Category

Mid-17th Century Renaissance Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Portrait Of Mary Wither Of Andwell, 17th Century Jacob Huysmans (1633–1696)
Located in Blackwater, GB
Portrait Of Mary Wither Of Andwell, 17th Century Jacob Huysmans (1633–1696) to $750,000 Large 17th Century portrait of Mary Wither of Andwell, oil on canvas by Jacob Huysmans. Exce...
Category

17th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1720, Matrimony Series (Large Portrait of Baroque, Rococo Couple in Red)
Located in Hudson, NY
Baroque, Rocco style portrait of a married couple in red attire "1720," a painting from the Matrimony Series by Lauren Hamilton, completed in 2023 oil on canvas 72 x 72 inches This ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Trance
Located in Denver, CO
Trance, 2016
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon

Helpful Canadian Mountie
Located in New York, NY
n.d. Double-sided oil painting on panel Signed in red This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City.
Category

2010s Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Vintage French Oil Painting "Dark Haired Exotic Vailed Woman"
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
5183 Vintage painting of a vailed dark haired exotic woman Set in a modernist gilt frame Image size 19.5x15.5"
Category

1950s Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Victim (Meet James)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Oil

The Cornish Fisherman Antique English Signed Oil Painting Portrait of Sea Man
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"The Mate" (Cornish fisherman) by David W. Haddon (British, early 20th century) signed and dated 1914 oil on board, framed framed: 18 x 14 inches board: 16 x 12 inches provenance: pr...
Category

1910s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Unchained Soul
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting captures the strength and beauty of a black African girl who gazes directly at the viewer with a thought of total liberation. The use of oil on canvas creates a vibrant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Oil

Woman with Red Hair
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Baron Robert Heinrich Freiherr von Doblhoff (1880 Vienna - 1960 ibid.) Woman with Red Hair Ink and watercolor on paper, image measures 6.25 x 7.25 inc...
Category

Early 20th Century Vienna Secession Portrait Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Portrait of Mother, Child, and Dog titled "The Cradle and the Companion"
Located in Fredericksburg, VA
This tender interior scene by Henry Bacon captures a moment of warmth and domestic harmony. A young mother leans gently over a carved red cradle while her daughter, dressed in a whit...
Category

Late 19th Century Hudson River School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

Single Hummingbird, Original Painting, Bird, Animal, Nature
Located in Deddington, GB
Single hummingbird, oil on panel by Angela Smith Hummingbird on a green background, perfectly painted with lots of detail.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Singl...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Innocence - 21st Century, Surrealism, Figurative Painting, Bulgy Eyes, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

HI
Located in CÓRDOBA, ES
Mixed media on paper by artist Daria Kusto Shipped well protected, unframed
Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Permanent Marker

King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, 19th century English portrait of a dogs head
By George Earl
Located in Woodbury, CT
!9th century English portrait of a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Wonderful portrait study of this very popular breed of dog. Dating from the middle of the 19th century this piece...
Category

1860s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Surrounded By Fuzzy Friends", Human Figure, Bedroom, Stuffed animals, games
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Surrounded By Fuzzy Friends" is a piece by Akira Gordon made from acrylic and oil on canvas. This piece measures 48"h x 60"w unframed. Akira hopes to give black people images that they can relate to in some way without making an overt political statement; instead, showing figures in leisure, doing the mundane and the ordinary. She finds the most authentic way to do this is through self-portraiture and referencing her experiences. She uses herself as a reference for her paintings because she believes examining your own life is important. Her artworks delve into the complex emotions associated with her struggle to transition into adulthood while clinging to the familiarity of "childish" things. It's an introspective journey, an attempt to reconcile the inevitability of growing up with the desire to preserve the youthful spirit that continues to reside within her. Akira Gordon, a Philadelphia-born painter and recent graduate of the University of the Arts, is a captivating artist driven by a passion for contemporary art and self-portraiture. Inspired by Kerry James Marshall and Sasha Gordon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Canvas

Elegant Georgian Young Ladies Woodland Park Antique English Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
'Morning Amusement' English School, circa 1800's after the painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, British 1723-1792 oil painting on canvas, unframed please...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Resilience - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"The Bather" Eugène Bégarat (French, 1943)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"The Bather" Eugène Bégarat (French, 1943) Gouache 11 1/2 x 9 1/2 (21 x 19 frame) inches Eugène Bégarat was born in 1943. At the age of seventeen, Bégarat entered the School of Dec...
Category

20th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Other Side 7 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Colours
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
I don't know why I keep believing That one day they'll bring us together When they've shown, in more ways than one That all they care about is the money You belong to the one politic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Portrait of the Artist's Mother as a Young Woman, in Oil on Board
Located in Soquel, CA
Portrait of the Artist's Mother as a Young Woman, in Oil on Board Elegant portrait by Russell R. Tripp (American, 1942-2025). This portrait, rendered in a warm, classical style, cap...
Category

1970s Photorealist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Editor and Typist - Mid Century Women's Magazine Illustration Naive art
Located in Miami, FL
Lorraine Fox was a pioneering female Illustrator/artist who championed a unique style immediately identified as hers. This work, in two parts, was most likely for a newsstand woman's...
Category

1950s Outsider Art Portrait Paintings

Materials

Gouache, Illustration Board

COUNTRY GIRL- W.A.Bouguereau- Italian Portarit of young peasant Oil on canvas
Located in Napoli, IT
Country girl - Pietro Colonna Italia 2006 - Oil on canvas cm. 45x25 Gold gilded wooden frame available on request The painting by Pietro Colonna is a free interpretation of the paint...
Category

Early 2000s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Iwalewa - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Dress, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category

2010s Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pencil

Study for "The coronation of Tasso"
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexandre Toussaint MENJAUD (Paris, 1768 – Paris, 1832) Study for The coronation of Tasso Oil on paper mounted on canvas 37.5 x 29.5 cm Around 1819 Related work: Painting exhibite...
Category

Early 19th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Man with an umbrella by Sean Durkin, man, contemporary art, walking
Located in Deddington, GB
original painting of "Man with an umbrella" by Sean Durkin. Sean uses very toned colours but draws attention to his bag and trousers, as well as uses white tones in his socks and shi...
Category

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

“Orientalist Portrait of an Arab Man” Jean-Horace Vernet (French 1789-1863)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
“Orientalist Portrait of an Arab Man” Half-length, turned to the left, oval Jean-Horace Vernet (French 1789-1863) Circa 1830s Watercolor heightened with touches of white on paper Sig...
Category

1830s Romantic Portrait Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Surely I Will Fly - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Bird, Oil
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
“Surely I Will Fly” is a vibrant and hopeful expression of the human spirit's innate desire for freedom and transcendence. This painting represents the moment when we spread our wing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Pastel Blue", Wood, Original Figurative Portrait Painting, Affordable
Located in Deddington, GB
Jorunn Mulen was inspired by love. A chance encounter in an Italian cafe or an antique photograph at a London flea market can each become a part of my visual capture. Her poetic port...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

Woman 02
Located in Tulsa, OK
"Woman 02" by János Huszti is a captivating oil painting on wrapped canvas, measuring 80" x 63". This piece portrays a moody, neutral-toned portrait of a woman with a messy bun, exud...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid 20th Century French Modernist Portrait of a Young Lady Green & Yellow Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady French Modernist artist, mid 20th century S.Ascher signed oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 16 x 13 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: very good...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

ANGLO-AMERICAN SCHOOL C. 1820'S PORTRAIT OF MERCHANT ON SHIP WITH GLOBE & MAP
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Anglo/ American School, early 19th century. Title: Full length portrait of a seated young gentleman wearing a dark suit, cream waistc...
Category

Early 19th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Reclining Nude Lady Model 1970's French Modernist Painting Provence Collection
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Artists Model Nude Lady Model French School, circa 1970's oil painting on card, unframed size: 18 x 23 inches condition: overall very good, a very few light markings to the surf...
Category

1970s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Trompe l'oeil, Trick of the Eye, Maria, Child St. Anthony, Van Dyck, Old Master
Located in Greven, DE
After a copper engraving (46 x 34 cm) by Gilles Rousselet after Van Dyck, ca. 1640 Paris. Oil on cardboard, 44 x 35 cm Trompe-l'oeils are pictures whose depicted objects are painte...
Category

18th Century Rococo Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Italian Modernist Surrealist Lady With a Hat Oil Painting, Signora dal Cappello
Located in Surfside, FL
Lazzaro Donati (Italian, 1926-1977), "Signora dal Cappello," oil on panel, signed lower left, signed, titled and dated verso, overall (with frame): 22.5"h x 24.5"w Lazzaro Donati wa...
Category

1960s Surrealist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

La Fille Du Pêcheur By William Bouguereau
Located in New Orleans, LA
William-Adolphe Bouguereau 1825-1905 French La fille du pêcheur (The Fisherman’s Daughter) Signed and dated “W-Bouguereau-1882” (middle right) Oil on canvas William Bouguereau's...
Category

19th Century Academic Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of a Palomino Light Chestnut Horse with Flowing Mane Original Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Palomino Portrait signed by Fanch Lel (French b. 1930) size: 9 x 9 inches gouache painting on board, unframed condition: the painting is in very good condition. It has previously bee...
Category

20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Portrait of Old Woman 1893 by Famous Russian Master Oil Painting on Canvas Frame
Located in Stockholm, SE
Attributed by Nikolay Alekseyevich Kasatkin (1859 - 1930). In this touching artwork, the artist perfectly conveyed the character of the old woman, who has seen a lot in her life. The hands, tired out and riddled with veins, lie helplessly on the knees. Her slouched body tells us about the load of years lived. The painter skillfully conveys a sense of wisdom, kindness, and humility through her wrinkled face and detached gaze. The painting exudes warmth with a subtle touch of sadness and reflection on a life lived. Thanks to moderately contrasting colors, the portrait comes to life and shows us the depth of the artist's intention. Kasatkin not only continued the traditions of the best masters of portraiture in Russia in the 19th century, but also introduced new principles into it. He sought to display on canvas not only the external features of a person, but also to demonstrate his spiritual world. Antique oil painting on canvas, signed bottom left, framed. Size app.: 68.5 x 52.3 cm (roughly 27 x 20.6 in), frame is 80.5 x 63.5 cm (roughly 31.7 x 25 in). Very good condition, very well preserved recently conserved condition with minimal wear (notice few micro losses here and there). Please study good resolution images for cosmetic condition. In person actual painting may appear darker or brighter than in our pictures, strictly depending on sufficient light in your environment. Weight of app. 5.4 kg is going to measure 8 kg packed for shipment. Nikolay Alekseyevich Kasatkin (1859 - 1930) was a Russian painter, considered to be one of the founders of Social Realism in Russia. From 1873 to 1883 he studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture with Vasily Perov and Illarion Pryanishnikov. Upon graduating, he received a medal for his painting "Beggars at the Church Door". In 1891, he began exhibiting with the Peredvizhniki and, from 1894 to 1917, was a teacher at his alma mater. For thirty years, beginning in 1883, he worked with Ivan Sytin, providing illustrations for his popular almanac/calendars and teaching lithography. He also contributed The Great Reform, an encyclopedia that celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Emancipation (1861), and a collection called "Russian History in Pictures". In 1903, he became a member of the Imperial Academy of Arts. He participated in the Exposition Universelle (1900), where he won a silver medal, and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904), among others. In 1923, following the Civil War, he was named the first "People's Artist of the Republic" and became a member of the AKhRR (Association of Artists). He is considered to be one of the forerunners of Socialist Realism in the arts and was sometimes called the "Gorky of Painters". In 1956, the Soviet Union honored him with a 40 kopeck commemorative postage stamp. In 1971, his painting of a female mine worker...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, 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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