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Portrait Paintings For Sale
The King's Ring
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The King's Ring is an intriguing artwork that portrays a man wearing a ring. The ring is the centerpiece of the artwork. The painting is oil and acrylic on ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Oil on Canvas Painting Portrait of the Italian Noble Family of Zanardi Count
By Lucia Casalini Torelli
Located in Firenze, IT
This museum quality old master oil on canvas formal portrait painting depicting the family of the Count Zanardi is signed by the artist- the female painter Lucia Casalini Torelli- and published in a book dedicated to Casalini Torelli’s workshop and academy. This palatial masterpiece artwork comes directly from the ancient Villa Maraini Guerrieri - Palidano di Gonzaga (Mantua), an historic Italian heritage building owned by the descendants of the family portrayed for more than two centuries, until 1998. The big scale of this oil on canvas masterpiece painting states the relevance of Lucia Casalini Torelli as a painter. The present artwork is a formal family portrait painting that aim to introduce the characters depicted according to their social role in the society. The noble family is all gathered under a loggia overlooking a park, the landscape in the background is partially covered by a beautiful red cloth on the right side. The father stands up and holds the hand of his eldest son, proudly introducing his future heir. The son wears a light-blue dress and red boots, he is depicted in a serious pose holding a black tricorn hat under his arm and a rapier sword on his belt. The mother wears an elegant gold and dark green brocade dress, she is sitting with her youngest daughter on her knees while her second son is by her side. The little daughter wears a lovely long red and dress with white lace and holds an apple on her hand. The son stands next to his mother and is dressed in a brown priestly clothes. This palatial old masters piece was probably painted in 1740 due to the similarities with Cardinal Doria’ s portrait, now on display at the Doria Palace Museum, the official residence of the Prince of Genoa. The painting features original canvas (“prima tela”) and antique original patina, it is in excellent overall condition considering the age, use and its large scale. A formal detailed condition report and the results of the inspection with the UV lamp accompanied by photos is available on request. As well as for its exceptional quality and quite perfect state of conservation, this painting is particularly important and even more valuable both for the artist who painted it and for its absolutely exclusive provenance. Lucia painted the most prominent and powerful noble families of her time, the location of these paintings is unknown to the art market as it is extremely likely that the portraits are still kept in private collections. Furthermore, Lucia was one of the most appreciated artists of her time, so important that she was admitted as a member of the academy at a time when women were forbidden to attend these studies. In 1706, Felice Torelli...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait Of An Architect & Dog, 16th Century
Located in Blackwater, GB
Portrait Of An Architect & Dog, 16th Century circle of TINTORETTO (1518-1594) Huge 16th Century Italian Old Master portrait of an architect and dog, oil on canvas. Exceptional earl...
Category

16th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The sisters young women original oil on canvas painting
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Frame size 98x117 cm. Ramon Aguilar i Moré (Barcelona, ​​1924-Barcelona, ​​September 23, 2015) was a Spanish painter. His work was influenced by the expressionist movement, although...
Category

1970s Fauvist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Coronation Blue
Located in London, GB
Ghizlan El Glaoui Coronation Blue, 2022 Oil on canvas Signed by the artist, on verso 110 x 90cm Ghizlan El Glaoui is a Moroccan-born artist based in London, known for her richly hue...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ice Dance
Located in Bozeman, MT
My work deals with the complex experience of girlhood, exploring adolescent anxiety, feminine identity, and belonging. These themes are tackled within scenes of play, group interacti...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

18th Century Pastel Portrait of a Gentleman
Located in Cotignac, FR
Late 18th Century pastel portrait on paper of a bearded gentleman. Presented under glass in a fine period gilded carved wood frame. A cha...
Category

Late 18th Century Rococo Portrait Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pastel

LLuis Ribas original landscape painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original landscape acrylic painting Ribas (El Masnou, Barcelona, 1949) is a Spanish painter whose large and hyper-realistic paintings reflect, above all, the beauty of women framed...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Huge French Modernist Portrait of Cubist Figure Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"L'usure du Temps" French School, late 20th century signed indistinctly lower right, titled verso oil painting on canvas 55 x 40 inches Magnificent French oil painting on canvas from the close of the 20th century, depicting this haunting figure dressed in what looks to be some sort of coat of armour...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Miss Priss Palms 5 - Colorful Abstract Figurative Portrait Original Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by her background in fashion, artist Lindsey McCord creates vibrant portraits that encapsulate the confidence that comes with the fun of being stylish and chic. Her figures ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic

1960's French Post-Impressionist Oil Trout Painting On A Plate Thick Oil Impasto
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Trout Painting by Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022) stamped verso oil painting on board, unframed board: 22 x 18 inches Colors: Red colors, brown, grey...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of Young Woman - Painting by by Francesco Settimj - 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas mounted on board, realized by Francesco Settimj in 1930s. Good condition.
Category

1930s Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Le Faucher - Post Impressionist Figurative Landscape Oil by Henri Martin
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Beautiful signed and dated figure in landscape oil on canvas by sought after French post impressionist painter Henri Martin. The piece depicts a view of a lone farmer standing in a v...
Category

1890s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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 signed oil painting on card, unframed size: 17 x 24 inches condition: overall very good, a very few light markings to ...
Category

1970s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Antique American Modernist Art Deco Exhibited Signed Portrait Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderful and finely painted American modernist portrait painting. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Image size, 20H by 16L.
Category

1930s Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait Woman Netscher Paint Oil on canvas 17th Century Old master Flemish Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Gaspard Netscher (Heidelberg, 1639 - The Hague, 1684) Guitar Player Oil on canvas 39 x 31 cm. - Framed 55 x 45 cm. With expertise by Prof. Ferdinando Arisi Outside a patrician palace, a woman is portrayed seated while delighting in playing a baroque guitar...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

19th Century English Victorian silhouette portrait
Located in Harkstead, GB
A finely detailed silhouette of a Victorian lady, unusuallly depicted wearing an elaborate hat with lace brim and plume. Circle of Hinton Gibbs (1783-1839) Portrait of a lady, bust ...
Category

19th Century English School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Glass, Watercolor

My Light Blue Dream 2 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Pop Art, 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. About Artist Omo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Pensive Thoughts - A Portrait - British 1872 Victorian art oil painting
Located in London, GB
This charming British Victorian portrait oil painting is by noted artist Charles Sillem Lidderdale. Painted in 1872 it is a half length portrait of a beautiful young woman leaning he...
Category

1870s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Bavarian Gentleman Holding a Candle Fine German Oil Painting Portrait of Man
By Fritz Muller
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Fritz Muller (1913 - 1972) oil painting on board, framed signed framed: 17 x 14.5 inches board: 14 x 12 inches provenance: private collection, England condition: very good and sound ...
Category

20th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sunday in Recife, Figurative Painting
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Sunday in Recife, 2020-2021 by Ramonn Vieitez Oil, acrylic, 24k gold leaf and pink Dutch leaf on canvas Size: 39.3 H x 26.7 W in. Unique Signed on the back by the artist ___ Ramonn...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

"White Shirt" (2023) Original Painting by Barbara Hack, Female Portrait
Located in Denver, CO
"White Shirt" by Barbara Hack is an original portrait painting depicting a female model. This piece is framed and ready to hang. Barbara Hack’s work is an ongoing reflection on peo...
Category

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Metal

Hawaii
Located in New York, NY
Gouache on paper Signed and dated, l.r. This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City Born in California, John Button (1929-1982) was educated at University of Calif...
Category

1970s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Gouache, Paper

Mid 20th Century Stylish Portrait of a Young Lady French oil painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady by Maurice Delavier (French 1902-1986) stamped verso with the artists studio mark oil on board, unframed board: 7.75 x 9.5 inches provenance: private collection, F...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a noble Gentlemen, Max Franz of Austria, Archduke, Meytens, Habsburg
Located in Greven, DE
Portrait of Max Franz as coadjutor of the Teutonic Order Oil on canvas, 54 x 45 cm Maximilian Franz of Austria Austrian Archduke Maximilian II. Franz, was Grand Master of the Teutoni...
Category

18th Century Rococo Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Card Players_America Martin_Oil Pastel/Acrylic/Cotton Paper_Figurative
Located in 326 N Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach, CA
America Martin "The Card Players" Oil Pastel & Acrylic on Cotton Paper 20” x 32” AMERICA MARTIN is an internationally represented Colombian-American fine artist based in Los Angele...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Oil Pastel

Antique Oil Painting Female Italian Maiden Late 19th Century
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3912 19th Century Italian female portrait Image size 23x19.5
Category

Late 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

"No Hay Nada Mas" Figurative Oil on Canvas
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"No Hay Nada Mas" is a 31in x 43in original oil painting by Katherine Fraser in a handmade wood frame. Artist Statement // Life often strikes me as a string of moments, like a serie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A Large and Magnificent Oil On Canvas Painting of King William III (1672–1702)
By (After) Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in New York, NY
A Large and Magnificent Oil On Canvas Painting of King William III (1672–1702), After Sir Godfrey Kneller Step into history with this extraordinary large oil on canvas painting of K...
Category

18th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Lyra. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this artwork, I've interwoven realism and surrealism with expressionistic strokes to bring to life a profound narrative. Using the tactile qualities of pastel, colored pencil, and...
Category

2010s Abstract Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

M.Y. 3
By Mark Schwartz
Located in Denver, CO
Mark Schwartz's "M.Y. 3" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a portrait of a female model gazing downward as her black hair blends into the darkness of the background.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Board, Oil

Oil Painting Manner of Richard Cosway "Natalie"
Located in Mere, GB
Oil Painting manner of Richard Cosway "Natalie" 1813 - 1880 Portrait bequeathed to Mrs William from the Duchess of Wellington in 1865 then by her to her...
Category

19th Century 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

Andromeda. original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
These paintings, executed on thick paper, are very sensual and intuitive. My favorite topic is: women. Often I immediately make a seria of paintings that are caused by either materi...
Category

2010s Abstract Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Archival Paper

English School Portrait of Gentleman Oil on Canvas
Located in Astoria, NY
English School, Portrait of a Gentleman, Oil on Canvas, circa 1830, the figure seated in an armchair, unsigned, according to a typed label verso depicting "Lord John H. Morelan(d)", ...
Category

1830s Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"The Walk Back Home" A Monumental "Exhibition" Painting by Carl Lasch
Located in New York, NY
Carl Lasch (1822-1888 German) "The Walk Back Home" A Monumental Exhibition Painting, Oil on canvas laid to masonite in original gilt-wood frame. ...
Category

19th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Post Impressionist Bandshell
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
HERVE Jules René (1887-1981) Bandshell in Langres Garden Oil on canvas signed low right Old frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 46 X 55 cm Dim frame : 66 X 75 cm HERVE Jules René ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Woman praying oil on canvas painting
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Frame size 70x61 cm. José Muntané Balaguer (1889 - 1963) Immerse yourself in the spiritual beauty of "Woman Praying," a sublime work by the acclaimed Spanish artist José Muntané Balaguer. This oil on canvas captures the serenity and introspection of faith, showcasing a masterful use of light and shadow reminiscent of great masters such as Joaquín Sorolla, Ignacio Zuloaga, and even the emotional restraint of Diego Velázquez in his most intimate portraits. The painting depicts the purity of a devotional moment, where the female figure seems to transcend the canvas, inviting the viewer to reflect on spirituality and human connection. The meticulous attention to detail and subtlety in expressions place Muntané Balaguer in the tradition of artists who immortalized scenes of everyday life with unique sensitivity, much like Julio Romero de Torres...
Category

1950s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine Antique French Signed Oil Painting Portrait Young Lady in Turban
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Young Lady wearing pink and a Turban headpiece by Henri-Charles Daudin (1864-1917, French) signed oil on wood panel, unframed board: 14 x 10.5 inches provenance: privat...
Category

Late 19th Century French School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of young women reading
Located in BELEYMAS, FR
French school circa 1880 Young woman reading Oil on canvas H. 86 cm; W. 64 cm
Category

1880s French School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Girl With Flower - Contemporary Oil Painting, Realistic Woman Portrait
Located in Salzburg, AT
KAMIL LISEK (born in 1980) Studied under the guidance of prof. Maciej Świeszewski at the faculty of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk. He graduated with distinction obta...
Category

2010s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1950's French Signed Oil Portrait of a Nude Lady Soft Lighting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, mid 20th century, indistinctly signed lower corner Title: Portrait of a Nude Lady Medium: signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 18 x 21.75...
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

A Place To Rest - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Dog, Modern Art
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Lawrence...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Seated Nude - Early 20th Century English Impressionist Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A beautiful 1930's English impressionist oil on canvas depicting a nude lady seated on a chaise longue. Very good quality portrait of the lady which is presented in a fine carved wo...
Category

Early 20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Dotted, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Mary Pratt paints a fashionable woman with her back gracefully turned to the viewer. She wears a long, billowing dress adorned with polka dots that mat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Female Portrait 19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Oil on Canvas. Signed at right, mid-canvas. It is a portrait of a mourning woman, a young widow, as can be inferred, not only from the black dress, but rather from the headdress and...
Category

19th Century Other Art Style Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Art Nouveau, Fleurs
By Karel VonBelle
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an original oil on canvas by Belgian artist Karel VonBelle. "Fleurs", is an original oil on canvas, signed, dated 1935, beautifully framed.
Category

1930s Art Deco Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fur Trapper in Winter - Portrait in Oil on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Fur Trapper in Winter - Portrait in Oil on Canvas Majestic full length portrait of a fur trapper standing in the snow by John Pieron. A man stands an...
Category

Late 20th Century Romantic Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Woman with Pearls" Impressionistic Oil Painting of Figure Seated
Located in New York, NY
A depiction of a young woman wearing long pearls and a loose dress. A romantic air is felt throughout this piece with a dreamy atmosphere and lush colors. She has dark black hair, we...
Category

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

A Boy and His Pug Dog
Located in Wiscasett, ME
Fantastic early portrait of a young man and his pug dog. This painting is most likely British, but it could also be from continental Europe. It dates from the late 18th to the early ...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Cain & The Death Of Abel, 18th Century
Located in Blackwater, GB
Cain & The Death Of Abel, 18th Century School of William Blake (1757-1827) Circa 1790 English School depiction of Cain and the Death Of Abel, oil on canvas. Rare biblical depiction...
Category

18th Century Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Malibu Barbie - Colorful Abstract Figurative Portrait Original Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by her background in fashion, artist Lindsey McCord creates vibrant portraits that encapsulate the confidence that comes with the fun of being stylish and chic. Her figures ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Graphite

LITERARY SERENITY AT CHÂTEAU D'AUGERVILLE
Located in THOMERY, FR
This captivating 30 x 40 cm gouache painting transports the viewer into the intimacy of a room within the majestic Château d'Augerville. At the heart of this artwork, a young woman e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Gouache

RMS Laconia, signed oil painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
RMS Laconia, 1921 by Louis Letouche (French 1924-2015) oil painting on linen canvas, stretched over board framed Framed size: 14.25 x 22.75 inches Superb oil painting by the well ...
Category

1990s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of George Gordon, 7th Laird of Buckie (1707-1756)
Located in Maidenhead, GB
John Alexander (Scottish, 1686-1766) Portrait of George Gordon, 7th Laird of Buckie (Scottish, 1707-1756), c. 1743 Oil on canvas In a carved ebonised frame, with gilded inner slight...
Category

1740s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

French Art Deco Society Portrait, Beauty in a Hat. Pastel and Crayon.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A French art deco pastel portrait by Louis-Jean Beaupuy. The work is signed and dated bottom right. Presented in carved and gilded wood frame. Beaupuy has captured all the charm and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Portrait Paintings

Materials

Paper, Crayon, Pastel

Moments of Reflection Depicting a Woman Sitting by the Fire, Original Oil Paint
Located in Stockholm, SE
We are pleased to present a captivating painting by the artist Sam Uhrdin (1886-1964). This beautiful artwork depicts a woman from Dalarna, sitting in front of a warm, glowing fire. The entire painting is bathed in a soft, radiant light, particularly illuminating her face and traditional white/red attire. The woman appears contemplative, lost in thought, perhaps thinking of someone dear to her heart. She is depicted in a kitchen, taking a moment to relax after a day's chores in her home. Sam Uhrdin's artistic journey began in the early 1900s, he traveled to Stockholm in 1903 to further continue his studies in painting. He worked as a painter during the day and attended various evening schools in the evenings. In 1906, he journeyed to America to work as a sign painter, but he mainly ended up working as an upholsterer. Returning to Leksand in 1909 via London and Paris, his artistic talent gained recognition, and with the help of some patrons, he began studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1911, occasionally attending Althin's painting school in Stockholm. Financial circumstances cut his study time short, and his skill as a portrait painter earned him numerous portrait commissions, which further occupied his time. In 1921, Uhrdin received a scholarship from the Royal Academy, enabling him to embark on a study trip in 1922 to the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, which he had to cut short due to his wife's illness. He later visited places like Spain and Portugal. Uhrdin's breakthrough came with his portrait of the former Prime Minister Nils Edén, which he executed in 1919. In 1921, he portrayed the participants of the Swedish Academy. Among other representatives of official Sweden captured by Uhrdin were Gustav V, Manne Siegbahn, Ludvig Stavenow, and bishops Gottfrid and Einar Billing. In 1932, he held a solo exhibition at Konstnärshuset in Stockholm, and he participated in various exhibitions, including the Swedish Artists' Association in Stockholm in 1917, Swedish Art at Valand-Chalmers in Gothenburg in 1923, Dalarna Artists displayed at Liljevalchs Konsthall in 1936, and the National Museum's traveling exhibition "Barnet i konsten" (Children in Art...
Category

1940s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Art Deco Portrait of a Woman
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Laura M. GREENWOOD (1897-1951). Portrait of Woman in Head Shawl Oil on canvas, 8 x 10 inches. Signed upper stretcher verso. Excellent condition. Would benefit from a cleaning. O...
Category

1930s Art Deco 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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