Portrait Paintings
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Portrait Paintings For Sale
Style: Contemporary
Style: Abstract
A new hat
Located in Bayonne, NJ
This is an oil on Belgian linen painting by Volodymyr Radko with allegorical take on a Renaissance portrait. It comes framed and in excellent condition.
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Arike
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Arike," an artwork crafted by Alabi Azeez, is a mesmerizing portrayal of femininity, strength, and resilience. The title itself, which translates to "someone to cherish" in the Yoru...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"When Sunflowers Are Falling...", Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, Flowers
By Victor Wang
Located in St. Louis, MO
“My path through life has been adventurous, exciting, and dream-like. My experience of settling into America in search of better opportunities has been both challenging and inspiring...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"The Coming of Age", Oil Painting on Canvas, Portrait, Sunflowers, Textured
By Victor Wang
Located in St. Louis, MO
“My path through life has been adventurous, exciting, and dream-like. My experience of settling into America in search of better opportunities has been both challenging and inspiring...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Encounters" Figures and Animals in Abstract Space: Art by L-Xiua
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
This painting by L-Xiua presents a dynamic composition that explores the interconnection between human and animal figures in an abstract space. The forms seem to emerge and merge wit...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Contemporary Pop Surrealist Botanical Anthropomorphic Figure "Scatsomg"
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This painting is one of the works from the "Fetishes" series that Natasha Lelenco created throughout the year 2022 to be featured in the international exhibition Nordart 2022 in Büde...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Spray Paint, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
"Qi Baishi", Figurative Charcoal Drawing on Canvas, Portrait, Abstract Drawing
By Victor Wang
Located in St. Louis, MO
“My path through life has been adventurous, exciting, and dream-like. My experience of settling into America in search of better opportunities has been both challenging and inspiring...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Charcoal
Vibrant Pop Surrealist Portrait. Flowers "Daba Dee Madonna". Fluorescent Colours
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This painting is one of the works from the "Fetishes" series that Natasha Lelenco created throughout the year 2022 to be featured in the international exhibition Nordart 2022 in Büde...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Spray Paint, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Girl with bouquet, Spring serie
Located in Zofingen, AG
You will receive this painting stretched, with painted edges and completely ready for hanging. Framing is not obligatory and depends only on your preference.
The "Spring" series c...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Blue Cigarette, Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Blue Cigarette - something of a departure in style for Berlin. This elegant, sophisticated lady is an interpretation on canvas of how he would create her in stained glass.
30" x 24"
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Moment in March, Original Figurative Portrait Painting, Affordable, Spring
Located in Deddington, GB
Acrylic painting on wood panel Inspired by the new feeling of Spring
Additional information:
Acrylic paint on Board
50 H x 40 W x 1 D cm (19.69 x 15.75 x 0.39 in)
Sold unframed
Ima...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Acrylic
Vibrant Pop Surrealist Portrait. Woman. Fluorescent Colors, Insects And Plants
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This painting is one of the works from the "Fetishes" series that Natasha Lelenco created throughout the year 2022 to be featured in the international exhibition Nordart 2022 in Büde...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Spray Paint, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This is an original acrylic painting on canvas by Victoria Montesinos, hand signed by the artist. Includes Letter of Authenticity. Measures approx. 30" x 40" (image).
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Oil/Canvas_ Figurative/Pop Western/Female Portrait_Billy Schenck_Last Chance
Located in 326 N Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach, CA
BILLY SCHENCK
"Last Chance"
Oil on Canvas
30 x 36 in. 36 x 42 in. Framed
Billy Schenck utilizes specific frames of reference in his oil on canvas depictions of the American West, e...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Counterparty Art, Self Portrait, Serj Tankian.
By Serj Tankian
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
This artwork, created by the multi-talented artist Serj Tankian, is a captivating self-portrait rendered in a vibrant and eclectic mix of media. Executed on paper with a blend of col...
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media
Contemporary portraits "As We Wait for the Taxi"
Located in Zofingen, AG
I want to go somewhere. I wish to visit a place with a peaceful atmosphere, where I can enjoy nature and take a break from daily routine.
For texture on the primed canvas before pain...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Lacquer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Girl With Harpoon - Florence, Italy, 2020
Located in Hudson, NY
ABOUT
Born in 1967, Piussi was raised in Florence where he studied at the Istituto d’arte, majoring in sculpture and painting and completing his artistic education at Milano’s Brera Art Academy. He lives in Florence, pursuing painting, bas-reliefs in terracotta and in bronze, and bronze sculpture.
Piussi presents an ideal, almost childlike world which can be found below everyday events, a step outside the flow of time, yet still a part of contemporary life, with a nod to Alex Katz and David Hockney. The drama, or lack thereof, is played out in simplified, almost abstract spaces. Pure in intent, Piussi’s oeuvre are inspired by the Early Renaissance.
Snapshot images of a world reduced to its essence, the apparently comic-book style has echoes of Giotto, Paolo Uccello, of medieval illuminations. Rather than mimicking the appearance of nature, Piussi reaches for its essence, without distracting details. Women stand on the shore of quintessentially peaceful seas, self-contained, at ease, unwitting replicas of classical goddesses - a proud diver echoes Neptune holding a trident.
“Queen Kong...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Abstract Expressionist Original Oil Portrait of Man with Beard
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Portrait of Man with Beard
Original mid century abstract expressionist of man with beard by California artist Genevieve Rogers (American, 1904 - 1...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Paper
"Come Out and Play", Child Portrait, Chicago transport, Acrylic on found wood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Come Out and Play" is an original piece by Qiaira Riley made from acrylic paint on found wood. This piece measures measures 24"h x 14"w unframed.
"Inspired by the changing visual landscape of my hometown of Chicago, I created these works to explore how the gentrification of the south-side disrupts intimate, private memories associated with public spaces in the name of urban "renewal," even creating commodifiable opportunities to make community memories public and profitable, yet not sacred. I was attending a suburban private liberal arts college; many classmates often seemed obsessed with fantastical, cheap narratives about my community and the folks in it that deeply contrasted the memories of love and care I had grown up with. These works remember and reclaim these spaces while showing off my favorite public treasures, sights, and delicacies.
There are also odes to the sweet parts of my adolescence that I hope urban development will not shift: running around the city with my father, who has worked for the Chicago Park District for over 25 years, my mom getting me a 6 piece from Harold's Chicken whenever I got a good report card, or stopping by Zberry, the city's first black-woman owned froyo shop to get a treat after school. I moved to Philadelphia that same year with just two suitcases, my art supplies storage...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paper, Acrylic
Wake
Located in Denver, CO
Nerhbass’ paintings focus on style as a sublime element of tension within beauty. Thematically they evoke modern dilemmas of what it means to see and be seen in a manner that is simu...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Untitled 3 - Series Final Fantasy, Minutiae Contemporary Figurative Painting
Located in Salzburg, AT
Magdalena Peszkowska born in 1980 in Gdańsk, Poland. Studied in Department of Painting at Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (1999-2004). Diploma with special recognition in painting in ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Cardboard
We Live Everyday Like
Located in London, GB
In this large painting, pop art meets contemporary realism. With nods to urbanism, graffiti, and youth subculture the artwork adds a powerful emotional layer to any space it inhabits...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Ink, Acrylic
As We Dance By The Moonlight
Located in London, GB
In this large painting, pop art meets contemporary realism. With a lively, bright palette of pink and orange, the artist interweaves vibrant acrylics and inks to capture an evocative...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Ink, Acrylic
"Breakfast", Woman Figure, Interior Food, Morning Scene, Oil on Canvas
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Breakfast" is a piece by Akira Gordon made from acrylic and oil on canvas. This piece measures 40"h x 30"w unframed.
Akira hopes to give black people images that they can relate t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
I Get My Light Right From The Source
Located in London, GB
In this large painting, pop art meets contemporary realism. With a lively, bright palette of red and sky blue, the artist interweaves vibrant acrylics and inks to capture an evocativ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Ink, Acrylic
"Hyde Park", Woman Figure, Portrait, Chicago business, Acrylic on Wood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Hyde Park" is an original artwork by Qiaira Riley made from acrylic and paper on found wood. This piece measures measures 17"h x 24"w unframed.
"Inspired by the changing visual landscape of my hometown of Chicago, I created these works to explore how the gentrification of the south-side disrupts intimate, private memories associated with public spaces in the name of urban "renewal," even creating commodifiable opportunities to make community memories public and profitable, yet not sacred. I was attending a suburban private liberal arts college; many classmates often seemed obsessed with fantastical, cheap narratives about my community and the folks in it that deeply contrasted the memories of love and care I had grown up with. These works remember and reclaim these spaces while showing off my favorite public treasures, sights, and delicacies.
There are also odes to the sweet parts of my adolescence that I hope urban development will not shift: running around the city with my father, who has worked for the Chicago Park District for over 25 years, my mom getting me a 6 piece from Harold's Chicken whenever I got a good report card, or stopping by Zberry, the city's first black-woman owned froyo shop to get a treat after school. I moved to Philadelphia that same year with just two suitcases, my art supplies storage...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paper, Acrylic
"An Invasion", Chicago, Woman figure, social change, Acrylic on Wood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"An Invasion" is a piece by Qiaira Riley made from acrylic paint and beads on found wood. This piece measures measures 24"h x 24"w unframed.
"Inspired by the changing visual landscape of my hometown of Chicago, I created these works to explore how the gentrification of the south-side disrupts intimate, private memories associated with public spaces in the name of urban "renewal," even creating commodifiable opportunities to make community memories public and profitable, yet not sacred. I was attending a suburban private liberal arts college; many classmates often seemed obsessed with fantastical, cheap narratives about my community and the folks in it that deeply contrasted the memories of love and care I had grown up with. These works remember and reclaim these spaces while showing off my favorite public treasures, sights, and delicacies.
There are also odes to the sweet parts of my adolescence that I hope urban development will not shift: running around the city with my father, who has worked for the Chicago Park District for over 25 years, my mom getting me a 6 piece from Harold's Chicken whenever I got a good report card, or stopping by Zberry, the city's first black-woman owned froyo shop to get a treat after school. I moved to Philadelphia that same year with just two suitcases, my art supplies storage...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Acrylic, Found Objects
Bleasure 6 (The Converse Man)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Honestly, I have been doing everything I can to become a human being again. I blink my eyes like people do, walk casually, sit with my legs crossed as if I were enjoying myself, and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Harness
Located in Denver, CO
Nerhbass’ paintings focus on style as a sublime element of tension within beauty. Thematically they evoke modern dilemmas of what it means to see and be seen in a manner that is simu...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"Eyes Wide", Female figure, Bedroom, Diptych, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Eyed Wide" is an original artwork by Akira Gordon made from acrylic and oil on wood panel. This piece is a diptych and measures measures 48"h x 46"w complete.
Akira hopes to give...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood Panel, Oil
Fall of Autumn
Located in Denver, CO
Nerhbass’ paintings focus on style as a sublime element of tension within beauty. Thematically they evoke modern dilemmas of what it means to see and be seen in a manner that is simu...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Dandy in the garden of black roses &Terrifying night of the first transformation
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Dandy in the garden of black roses & Terrifying night of the first transformation, 2016 by Ramonn Vieitez
Watercolor and Gouache on canvas
Overall size: 19.7 H x 31.4 W in.
Individu...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Watercolor, Gouache
Figurative/Portrait_Earth Tones_Woman on Lawn Blanket_America Martin
Located in 326 N Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach, CA
America Martin
"Woman on Lawn Blanket"
Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
45 x 80 in. 46.75 x 81.75 in Framed
Exploring the identity of both her namesake and country, LA-based America Martin ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Measure
Located in Denver, CO
Nerhbass’ paintings focus on style as a sublime element of tension within beauty. Thematically they evoke modern dilemmas of what it means to see and be seen in a manner that is simu...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Ian and Oliver Hartt, Portraits
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ian and Oliver Hartt, Diptych, 2016 by Ramonn Vieitez
Watercolor and Gouache on canvas
Overall size: 15.7 H x 23.6 W in.
Individual Size: 15.7 H x 11.8 W in.
Signed on the back by th...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Watercolor, Gouache
Jeremy Abbott and Oliver Hartt, Portraits
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Jeremy Abbott and Oliver Hartt, Diptych, 2016 by Ramonn Vieitez
Watercolor and Gouache on canvas
Overall size: 15.7 H x 23.6 W in.
Individual Size: 15.7 H x 11.8 W in.
Signed on the ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Watercolor, Gouache
Ian, Jeremy Abbott and Adam, Triptych. Portraits
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ian, Jeremy Abbott and Adam, Triptych, 2016 by Ramonn Vieitez
Watercolor and Gouache on canvas
Overall size: 15.7 H x 35.4 W in.
Individual Size: 15.7 H x 11.8 W in.
Signed on the ba...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Watercolor, Gouache
Orange Sun - contemporary oil on canvas portrait of artist Vincent Van Gogh
Located in Hamburg, DE
"Orange Sun" is a unique oil on canvas work by Milan Markovich from 2017. It portrays the face of Vinvent Van Gogh in the artist's special technique an...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Set Ian, Jeremy Abbott, Adam and Oliver Hartt. Portraits
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set Ian, Jeremy Abbott, Adam and Oliver Hartt, 2016 by Ramonn Vieitez
Watercolor and Gouache on canvas
Overall size: 15.7 H x 47.2 W in.
Individual Size: 15.7 H x 11.8 W in.
Signed o...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Watercolor, Gouache
Original Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This is an original oil painting on canvas by Victoria Montesinos, hand signed by the artist. This piece comes with Letter of Authenticity. Measures approx. 40" x 30" (image).
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Contemporary self-portrait "Anniversary"
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this evocative piece, I blend acrylic and oil to capture an intimate moment, rich with layered emotions. The figure, poised yet wistful, stands enveloped by the depth of the dark ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Lacquer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Clothed In Light, Abraham and Sarah
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
This majestic double portrait "Abraham and Sarah" is part of a series of paintings by breaking British artist, Sax Berlin. Inspired by the Bible and also by a commission to paint “Is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
"Adajio" Hand Signed Original Painting on Canvas
Located in Chatsworth, CA
"Adajio""&" is an original acrylic mixed media painting on canvas by Ara Berberyan. The piece is hand signed and comes with a letter of authenticity. Measures approximately 36" x 36".
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Della" (FRAMED) Painting 19" x 22" inch by Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Della" (FRAMED) Painting 19" x 22" inch by Antonio Pelayo
Medium: Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate
Size: 13" x 15" inch
Size framed: 19" x 22" inch
Artist Antonio Pelayo,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
When We Were Young
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
When we were young, the world was a dream,
Where our hearts were pure, untouched by the stream.
Innocence danced on the wings of the breeze,
As we chased rainbows and climbed old tre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
Lady with dinosaur
Located in Zofingen, AG
The edges are painted
The painting is a story of inner acquaintance and complete acceptance of one's own peculiarities and oddities.
This ironic canvas tells the story of a girl wh...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Melanin Meditation
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Melanin Meditation" is a captivating artwork created by Ekele Francis that delves into the depths of cultural identity and self-reflection. Francis, kno...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Figurative/Portrait_Oil/Acrylic/Canvas_The Striped Orange Cat, America Martin
Located in 326 N Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach, CA
America Martin
"The Striped Orange Cat"
Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
62.5 x 33.5 in. 64 x 35 in. Framed
Exploring the identity of both her namesake and country, LA-based America Martin ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Figurative/Portrait/Abstract_Ink on Paper_America Martin, Woman Rests on Clover
Located in 326 N Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach, CA
America Martin
"Woman Rests on Clover"
Acrylic on Paper
11.25 x 30 in. 17 x 36 in. Framed
AMERICA MARTIN is an internationally represented Colombian-American fine artist based in L...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Handmade Paper, Ink
Inner Peace 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Inner Peace" by Meshach Charity is a captivating artwork that invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of inner tranquility. In this piece, a y...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Crowd in Vivid Colour 6, Original painting, Figurative, People, Audience, Fun
By Karen Lynn
Located in Deddington, GB
This is a painting from Karen Lynn’s ‘Crowd’ series of works.
In this particular painting she gave the audience a 60’s retro look and chose very bright colours like reds pinks and o...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary portrait "It's Cold"
Located in Zofingen, AG
Today marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of our wedding. Thirty-five years together. I dedicated a painting to this date. The subdued tones and soft light highlight a timeless bond, ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Lacquer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Figurative/Portrait/Abstract_Acrylic on Paper_America Martin, Under The Trees
Located in 326 N Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach, CA
America Martin
"Under The Trees"
Acrylic on Paper
46 x 43 in. Framed
AMERICA MARTIN is an internationally represented Colombian-American fine artist based in Los Angeles. America is...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Handmade Paper
Golden Angel
Located in Bayonne, NJ
This is an oil on linen painting depicting a nude female figure with wings. Executed in a contemporary, allegorical manner, the painting reminds us of Renaissance portraits. It is in...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Presence - portrait of a moment - oil painting on blue background
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Oil painting of a presence that emerges on the canvas from another existential plane, accompanied by other beings. With dimensions of 27" x 27" inches, and a royal blue background. T...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Continuity 1 -original abstract expressionist figurative painting- modern art
Located in London, Chelsea
"Continuity 1" by Magdalena Morey is a stunning exploration of movement and form in the realm of abstract figurative art. Executed on a deep stretched canvas using a captivating comb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media
Olajumoke (Child of Wealth that Everyone Cherishes)
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
Olu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Shop Antique and Vintage Portrait Paintings
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.