Dave Davies
Mid-20th Century Contemporary Portrait Photography
Archival Pigment
1970s American Impressionist Landscape Prints
Offset
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s American Posters
Paper
1980s Pop Art More Art
Offset
1980s Pop Art Figurative Prints
Lithograph, Offset
Vintage 1970s British Posters
Paper
Late 20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil
Late 20th Century Landscape Prints
Lithograph
20th Century French Art Deco Posters
Paper
Late 20th Century American Modern Prints and Multiples
Lithograph
1940s Modern Figurative Prints
Lithograph
Vintage 1970s Danish Art Deco Posters
Paper
Vintage 1960s American Posters
Paper
20th Century Polish Posters
Paper
Vintage 1950s American Posters
Paper
Vintage 1960s Danish Posters
Paper
Vintage 1970s German Posters
Paper
20th Century Polish Posters
Paper
Recent Sales
1970s Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1970s Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1960s Portrait Photography
Silver Gelatin
1960s Black and White Photography
Archival Paper, C Print, Archival Pigment, Archival Ink
1980s Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1980s Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
Finding the Right portrait-photography for You
Portrait photography can be a powerful part of your wall decor. Find a provocative and compelling portrait that speaks to you and you might find that the photograph will speak to your guests too.
Prior to the development of photography, which eventually replaced portrait paintings 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. In 1839, chemist and Philadelphia-based photographer Robert Cornelius didn’t have to wait very long for his portrait. In a matter of minutes, he captured what many believe to be the first portrait photograph. This shot was also the first self-portrait (or what we now call a “selfie”), and fine photography quickly became an art form.
Landscape photography, nude photography and portrait photography are very popular in today's modern interiors. A portrait can reveal a lot about the person in it. It can also add a narrative touch to your decor. You’ll often find that photographs of loved ones work well as decorative touches. A portrait of a family member or dear friend can help turn a house into a home, warming any space by evoking fond memories.
While family portraits can stir emotion, portraits of celebrities and important historical figures can also add a rich dynamic to your space. Portraits of famous musicians or intriguing actors hung in your dining room or home bar shot by Gered Mankowitz or Annie Leibovitz might inspire deep conversation over meals or drinks. Douglas Kirkland is also famous for his celebrity portraits. His photojournalism made him much sought after by Hollywood studios to document the filming of movies. In Kirkland’s powerful depiction of Hollywood stars, he excellently captures the glamour of their lives.
Other artists like Elliott Erwitt stand out by turning portraiture into a playful art form. Before graduating from high school in Hollywood, Erwitt had already begun to teach himself to take pictures, inspired by the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. In image after image, Erwitt captured what photographers call “the moment” with rapier wit and penetrating humanity.
Portrait photography can be incredibly expressive, setting the tone and mood for a room. And there are different ways of incorporating portrait photography into your interior decor. If you’re thinking about adding color photography to a bedroom or living room, the colors of the portraits can become part of the room’s palette, while portraits shot in black and white won’t disrupt an existing color scheme.
On 1stDibs, find a vast selection of portrait photography from different eras, including 1950s portraits, 1960s portrait photography and more.
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