Eye Portrait Miniature
Antique 18th Century German Baroque Paintings
Canvas, Glass, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique 1830s Georgian Paintings
Natural Fiber
Antique 19th Century British Regency More Folk Art
Antique 1780s English George III Collectible Jewelry
Crystal, Gold
Antique 19th Century English Regency Paintings
Giltwood, Birdseye Maple, Paper
People Also Browsed
1920s Old Masters Nude Paintings
Paper, Pencil
Antique 1780s English Neoclassical Pottery
Stoneware
19th Century Old Masters Nude Paintings
Charcoal
Antique 1890s English Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 2000s American Modern Photography
Paper
1920s Old Masters Nude Paintings
Paper, Pencil
Early 20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil
17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
Oil
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Paintings
Paper
Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Busts
Ceramic
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Doors and Gates
Oak
19th Century Portrait Paintings
Oil
Antique Early 19th Century English Greek Revival Paintings
Wood, Paint
2010s American Jacobean Fireplaces and Mantels
Limestone
Antique 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Paintings
Mid-20th Century Paintings
Canvas
Finding the Right Folk Art for You
Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.
American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of folk art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Miniature portraits were first painted on a variety of mediums, some of the more popular being vellum, and card or cardboard. Paintings would typically be done in watercolor. Later painting in enamel on metal became a classic medium for painting miniature portraits. On 1stDibs, find an array of authentic miniature portraits.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Miniature portraits are made with a mix of powdered glass, metal oxides and oil which makes a paste. This paste is painted color by color onto a base. Each color layer is fired in a kiln, one at a time. You’ll find a variety of miniature portraits from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.