17th Century portrait oil painting of a gentleman
By John Riley
Located in Nr Broadway, Worcestershire
Circle of John Riley British, (1646-1691) Portrait of a Gentleman Oil on canvas Image size: 29 inches x 24 inches Size including frame: 36 inches x 31 inches A fine half-length por...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of William Chiffinch
By John Riley
Located in London, GB
He was MP for Windsor 1685-87. John Riley trained with the German portrait painter, Gilbert Soest (1605–81), and the English artist, Isaac Fuller (?
Canvas, Oil
$28,231
H 74 in W 61 in
Portrait of a Boy, John Closterman, Large English Portrait Art, Old Master
By John Closterman
Located in Greven, DE
In 1681 he was in London and worked for the artist John Riley, whose studio he took over after his death.
Canvas, Oil
$10,410
H 36.62 in W 31.5 in D 2.37 in
c.1700 Gentleman Portrait with Wig and Blue Cloak, Thomas Murray Oil Painting
Located in London, GB
The portrait is attributed to Thomas Murray (1663–1734), the Scottish-born painter who enjoyed a successful career in London during the late Stuart and early Georgian periods. Murray...
Canvas, Oil
$450
H 30 in W 19.5 in
Vintage Galerie Alexandre Iolas Ballads Poster William Copley CPLY Mourlot Litho
Located in Surfside, FL
The works included came from artists both well-renowned and obscure, including Marcel Duchamp, Roy Lichtenstein, Man Ray, Christo, Richard Hamilton, Claes Oldenburg, John Cage, Terry...
Paper, Lithograph, Offset
Unavailable
H 35.04 in W 30.32 in
English 18th century portrait of a lady, Circle of Thomas Murray (1663-1735)
Located in Bath, Somerset
Subsequently he became a pupil of the eminent portrait painter John Riley, taking over his practice when Riley died in 1691.
Canvas, Oil
Unavailable
H 56 in W 46 in D 5 in
EARLY 18TH CENTURY ENGLISH PORTRAIT OF A LADY - CIRCLE OF SIR GODFREY KNELLER.
By (Circle of) Godfrey Kneller
Located in London/Yorkshire, GB
He enjoyed the office of Principal Painter to the King, at first jointly with John Riley (d.1691), from shortly after the accession of William and Mary in 1688 until his death.
Oil
Unavailable
H 38.5 in W 33.5 in D 4 in
Early 18th Century English Oil Portrait of a Gentleman in a Red Velvet Jacket
By Jonathan Richardson the Elder
Located in London/Yorkshire, GB
He himself trained under John Riley, living with him until Riley's death in 1691 (he married Riley's niece) and was the master of artists Thomas Hudson and George Knapton.
Oil
Sold
H 37.8 in W 32.68 in
Portrait of Christopher Musgrave (1664-1718) circa 1690
By John Riley
Located in London, GB
Riley also employed Lely's drapery painter for ‘postures’, John Baptist Gaspars.
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 40.56 in W 32.29 in D 1.97 in
Portrait of King William III, King of Great Britain c.1691; Antique Painting
By John Riley
Located in London, GB
Riley also employed Lely's drapery painter for ‘postures’, John Baptist Gaspars.
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 43.71 in W 39.38 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of a Captain Sir John Munden (c.1645-1719), Fine Carved Period Frame
Located in London, GB
In 1681 he came to England and painted draperies for John Riley and later Closterman finished several of his works after Riley’s death.
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 58.27 in W 48.43 in D 2.37 in
Portrait of an Elegant Lady c.1690’s, Oil on Canvas Painting, John Closterman
By John Closterman
Located in London, GB
Soon after his arrival Closterman was employed by John Riley as a drapery painter, although the existence of signed works by both artists during the 1680s suggests they also worked i...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 38.19 in Dm 33.08 in
Portrait of a Lady in a Pink Dress and Green Wrap c.1695, Antique Oil Painting
By (Circle of) Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 37.8 in Dm 33.08 in
Two (a pair) Portrait of Gentleman, Portrait of Lady, 17th century, Oil Painting
By John Closterman
Located in London, GB
He spent a couple of years as drapery painter in partnership with John Riley, later completing several of Rileys’ works after his death - this practice hardly prepared the English fo...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 57.09 in W 48.43 in D 1.97 in
Portrait of a Gentleman, John Packer in Blue Coat with Diamonds, Oil Painting
By John Closterman
Located in London, GB
Soon after his arrival Closterman was employed by the King’s Principal Painter, John Riley (1646-1691) as a drapery painter, although the existence of signed works by both artists du...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 35.83 in W 30.71 in D 2.37 in
Portrait of Lady Anne Stapylton (c.1663-1730) c.1690s Antique Oil Painting
By John Closterman
Located in London, GB
He spent a couple of years as drapery painter in partnership with John Riley, later completing several of Rileys’ works after his death - this practice hardly prepared the English fo...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 57.09 in W 47.25 in D 1.97 in
Portrait of a Seated Gentleman in Brown Robes, Antique Oil Painting
By John Closterman
Located in London, GB
He painted draperies and other minor details for John Riley, at whose death in 1691, Closterman finished several of his portraits.
Canvas, Oil
17th Century Portrait of a Lady
By (Circle of) Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 20.08 in W 17.33 in D 1.97 in
Portrait of Elizabeth Cavendish, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689) on Panel
Located in London, GB
–1743) was also a portrait-painter and is said to have studied under John Riley. These small portraits are naturally Van Dyckian in mood and presentation – indeed as here, most are ...
Oil, Wood Panel
Sold
H 57.49 in W 47.64 in
Portrait of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) circa 1702
By studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 37.8 in W 32.68 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of an Elegant Lady
Located in London, GB
He himself trained under John Riley, living with him until Riley's death in 1691 (he married Riley's niece).
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 37.41 in W 32.29 in D 2.37 in
Portrait of a Lady of the Vavasour Family c.1695; English Antique Oil Painting
Located in London, GB
Later he was a pupil of the English portraitist John Riley (1646-1691), who was court painter to King William III and Queen Mary, and was practising as a painter on his own in the 16...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 37.8 in W 33.47 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of Gentleman in blue, Portrait of Lady, oval pair Fine Carved Frames
Located in London, GB
Later he was a pupil of the English portraitist John Riley (1646-1691), who was court painter to King William III and Queen Mary, and was practising as a painter on his own in the 16...
Oil, Canvas
Sold
H 57.49 in W 48.43 in D 2.37 in
Portrait of Thomas Smith Esq, circa 1705, Excellent Quality and Provenance
By Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
He enjoyed the office of Principal Painter, at first jointly with John Riley (d.1691), from shortly after the accession of William and Mary in 1688 until his death.
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 57.09 in W 47.64 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of Colonel Richard Lister in Armour & Holding a Baton, Harlaxton Manor
By studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
He enjoyed the office of Principal Painter, at first jointly with John Riley (d.1691), from shortly after the accession of William and Mary in 1688 until his death.
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 57.09 in W 47.25 in D 2.37 in
Portrait of King William III circa 1700, Antique Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 36.78 in W 32.01 in
Portrait of a girl, possibly Dorothy Bigg (née Wither) (1661-1717), c. 1674
By Gerard Soest
Located in Henley-on-Thames, England
Following lesser commissions by minor nobility in the 1650s, Soest’s style had become fixed by the Restoration, and it was about then that John Riley was a pupil. Soest’s productivit...
Oil
Sold
H 61.03 in W 50.79 in
PORTRAIT of Isabella Bennet, Duchess of Grafton (c.1688-1723), Huge scale
By studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 18.9 in W 16.15 in D 1.58 in
Portrait of a Lady Diana Cecil, Countess of Elgin c.1638, Manor House Provenance
Located in London, GB
His son, Antony Russel (c.1663–1743) was also a portrait-painter and is said to have studied under John Riley. Several of his copies were in the Royal Collections, and among the nobi...
Oil, Wood Panel
Sold
H 54.34 in W 47.64 in D 2.37 in
Portrait of Margaret Broun, Lady Colstoun, Ancient UK Manor House Provenance
By Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 37.8 in W 31.5 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of a member of the Mellish family, Exquisite Quality, Fine Carved Frame
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 56.7 in W 47.25 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of Thomas Gage (c.1684-1716)
By (Attributed to) Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 18.9 in W 16.15 in D 1.58 in
Portrait of Gentleman, Thomas Bruce, Earl of Elgin c.1638 Manor House Provenance
Located in London, GB
His son, Antony Russel (c.1663–1743) was also a portrait-painter and is said to have studied under John Riley. Several of his copies were in the Royal Collections, and among the nob...
Oil, Wood Panel
Sold
H 57.09 in W 47.25 in D 2.37 in
Portrait of Abigail, Countess of Kinnoull dated 17**, Godfrey Kneller Painting
By Kneller Godfrey
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 30.32 in W 27.56 in
Portrait Of Upton Sir John Bonnell And His Wife Lady Mary Morice
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Both paintings are the work of a painter of the Londoner John Riley (1646 - 1691) and his prolific workshop.
Oil
Sold
H 10.04 in W 7.09 in
Apprehension - Early 20th Century British Pre-Raphaelite/Symbolist watercolor
Located in London, GB
JOHN RILEY WILMER (1883-1941) Apprehension Signed and dated 1914 Watercolour 25.5 by 18 cm., 9 ¾ by 7 in.
Watercolor
Sold
H 30 in W 25 in
Fine 1700's Portrait Aristocratic Child Portrait with Dog Large Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Attributed to Thomas Murray (1663 - 1735) Scottish-born Murray moved to London and studied with a member of the De Critz family before becoming a pupil of eminent portraitist John R...
Oil, Canvas
Portrait of a Lady
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil, Wood Panel
Sold
H 35.44 in W 30.32 in D 1.97 in
Portrait of a Lady in Blue Silk Dress & Crimson Mantle c.1695; by Thomas Murray
Located in London, GB
Later he was a pupil of the English portraitist John Riley (1646-1691), who was court painter to King William III and Queen Mary, and was practising as a painter on his own in the 16...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 43.31 in W 35.44 in
Portrait Gentleman Lefebvre Paint Oil on canvas Old master 17th Century French
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
His temporary stay in London was decisive for his painting, when he was invited to paint at the court of kings Charles II and James II, where he absorbed the pictorial sensitivity of...
Oil
Sold
H 35.83 in W 30.71 in D 1.58 in
Portrait of a Gentleman, Signed, Fine Carve Gilded Frame, Antique oil painting
Located in London, GB
Later he was a pupil of the English portraitist John Riley (1646-1691), who was court painter to King William III and Queen Mary, and was practising as a painter on his own in the 16...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 37.01 in W 32.68 in D 2.37 in
Portrait Gentleman, William Clayton, 1st Baron Sundon, Studio of Godfrey Kneller
By Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
He enjoyed the office of Principal Painter, at first jointly with John Riley (d.1691), from shortly after the accession of William and Mary in 1688 until his death.
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Lady of the Graves family
Located in London, GB
He initially studied with one of the De Critz family and then under John Riley, whom he also assisted. He established his own practice in the 1680’s and swiftly became a very succes...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 55.52 in W 46.86 in D 3.15 in
Portrait of Lady, Mary Sackville, Countess of Dorset, Studio of Godfrey Kneller
By studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 55.52 in W 46.86 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of Lady Legh Seated Holding Flowers c.1693 English Aristocratic History
By Kneller Godfrey
Located in London, GB
Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British mon...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Lady with Spaniel
By John Riley
Located in Bath, Somerset
Attributed to John Riley (London 1646 - 1691). Portrait of a Lady with a spaniel.
Sold
H 37 in W 31 in D 3 in
Late 17th Century Oil Portrait Painting of a Gentleman by John Closterman
By John Closterman
Located in London/Yorkshire, GB
In 1681 Closterman arrived in England and began a partnership with established painter John Riley. By 1683 Closterman had established an independent practice; where he became adept a...
Oil
Sold
H 30 in W 25 in D 3 in
PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN A BLUE ROBE - ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN CLOSTERMAN.
By John Closterman
Located in London/Yorkshire, GB
In 1681 Closterman arrived in England and began a partnership with established painter John Riley. By 1683 Closterman had established an independent practice; where he became adept a...
Oil
Sold
H 56.7 in W 46.86 in
English 17th century portrait of a young girl in a landscape with a lamb
By John Closterman
Located in Bath, Somerset
Closterman went into partnership with English artist John Riley with the partnership confirmed by the composite character of portraits like the three-quarter-length of Katherine Elli...
Canvas, Oil
Sold
H 49.53 in W 37.49 in
Lady Henrietta Churchill and her son William
By Sir Godfrey Kneller
Located in Bath, Somerset
In 1688 he was appointed Principal Painter to the King (jointly with John Riley who died in 1691), a post he retained until his death, being made a knight in 1692 and a baronet in 17...
Portrait of a Lady and Child
Located in Bath, Somerset
Kneller was appointed Principal Painter to the King in 1689 by William III jointly with English painter John Riley and assumed the post fully on Riley`s death in 1691.
The Poet Judith Madan (1702-1781)
By Jonathan Richardson the Elder
Located in Bath, Somerset
Jonathan Richardson the Elder was born in London in 1665 and studied under John Riley from 1688 until Riley`s death in 1691.
Oil
Portrait of a Family
By Jonathan Richardson the Elder
Located in Bath, Somerset
He himself trained under John Riley, living with him until Riley's death in 1691 (he married Riley's niece) and was the master of artists Thomas Hudson and George Knapton.
Sold
H 58.08 in W 48.82 in
Attributed to Thomas Murray (1663-1735) Portrait of Henry Stewart
Located in Bath, Somerset
He studied under one of the de Critz family of painters, then John Riley and was practising as a painter on his own in the 1680s.
Oil
$8,750
H 24 in W 26 in D 3 in
Fine 19th Century English Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Dog, after Edwin Landseer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fine 19th century English oil on canvas: Portrait of a dog, after Edwin Landseer. The verso photo documented, original canvas, Initialed W M May 1882. Based on a drawing of Landsee...
Wood, Paint, Canvas
$163,296
H 51 in W 41 in D 2 in
My Lady of the Rose Portrait of Hilda, the Artist's Wife - British oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This superb British exhibited portrait oil painting is by noted artist George Spencer Watson. The influence of Lord Frederick Leighton and the Italian Renaissance can easily be seen....
Oil
Portrait of woman
By René Guinand
Located in Genève, GE
Dimension with frame :54 x 47 x 4 cm
Oil, Wood Panel
Edo Period Samurai Suit Of Armor
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite Tetsusabiji Uchidashi Gomai Dou Gusoku (Five-Plate Russet Iron Embossed Cuirass Armor), crafted in the 18th century, exemplifies the pinnacle of Edo-period samurai arm...
Copper, Iron
$7,250
H 16 in W 22 in
17th century follower of Rubens, two military men on horse back in a landscape
Located in Woodbury, CT
17th century English/Dutch School, from the Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens A very interesting and well-painted 17th-century oil on canvas of two men seated on horseback in a landsc...
Canvas, Oil
$1,469Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 28 in
Large Mid Victorian Oil Painting Portrait of Seated Gentleman with Newspaper
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Gentleman reading the 'London Journal', English school (mid 19th century) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 36 x 28 inches condition: some minor surface abrasion...
Oil, Canvas
The White Peacock
By Jessie Arms Botke
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Jessie Arms Botke. "The White Peacock" is a wildlife impressionist painting, oil on canvas in a palette of whites, blues, and browns by female, American artist Jessie A...
Canvas, Oil
$260,400Sale Price|25% Off
H 68 in W 55 in
A Magnificent Pair of French Royal Paintings "Aurora and Diana" "Night and Day"
Located in Queens, NY
Jacques-Francois Delyen (1684-1761), Court Painter of King Louis XV. A Magnificent Pair of Palatial "French Royal" Allegorical Paintings "Aurora and Diana" "Night and Day" A truly ...
Oil
$61,236
H 88.98 in W 70.87 in D 94.89 in
Renaissance Style Oak Tester 4 Poster Bed Armorial Tapestry Bedspread King Size
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A vintage king size oak tester or four poster bed in the Renaissance style. Hand carved with Adam & Eve carvings in the headboard, figurative sculptures in the bedposts, three carve...
Oak
$5,505Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 24.81 in
Portrait Sibyl Lady Zanotti Paint Oil on canvas Old master 18th Century Italian
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Portrait of an Eritrean Sibyl who writes the prophecy Circle of Lorenzo Pasinelli (Bologna 1629 - 1700) - Attributable to Giampietro Cavazzoni Zanotti (Paris, 1674 - Bologna, 1765) ...
Oil
$13,540
H 49.61 in W 46.86 in D 2.76 in
Portrait of Lady, Barbara Herbert, Countess of Pembroke c.1708, Large Painting
Located in London, GB
Portrait of Barbara Herbert, Countess of Pembroke c.1708 Charles d’Agar (1669-1723) This magnificent large-scale portrait, presented by Titan Fine Art, depicts the British court of...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$2,820Sale Price|20% Off
H 44.89 in W 31.89 in D 1.97 in
Escuela española (XVII) - Óleo sobre tabla - San Domingo Guzmán
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra es de autor anónimo. El retablo va muy bien enmarcado con un marco neogótico del siglo xix en madera estofada y policromada. Medidas del retablo: 88 cm. altura x 56 cm. anc...
Oil
$2,830Sale Price|20% Off
H 21.5 in W 28.5 in
17th Century Flemish Old Master Dancing Figures Musicians Antique Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Dancing Figures Flemish School, 17th century oil on on canvas, framed framed: 21.5 x 28.5 inches canvas : 16.5 x 24 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good...
Oil
$187,500
H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...
Glass, Mahogany
$17,150Sale Price|30% Off
H 46.5 in W 39 in D 4 in
After Jean-Baptiste Van Loo, Portrait of King Louis XV of France (1710-1774)
Located in Long Island City, NY
After Jean-Baptiste Van Loo, A Portrait of King Louis XV of France (1710-1774) A magnificent quality three-quarter length portrait of King Louis XV of France and Navarre, painted i...
Paint
$9,664Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.87 in W 17.33 in
Portraits King Louis XV Queen Gobert Paint Oil on canvas old master 18th Century
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Pierre Gobert (Fontainebleau 1662 - Paris 1744) Atelier of Pair of fine portraits Louis XV, King of France and his wife, Maria Leszczyńska oils on canvas (2), 41 x 32 cm., in frame ...
Oil
Encompassing centuries of change in Europe between 1300 and 1800, from booms of prosperity to bloody revolutions, Old Masters describes a wide range of artists. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked during this era.
The 15th century’s expansive trade and commerce spread culture across borders. A vibrant period of art emerged, bolstered by studies of anatomy and nature that influenced a new visual realism. From Raphael and Michelangelo in the Renaissance to Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer in the Dutch Golden Age, artists expressed emotion, naturalism, color and light in new ways. El Greco and Paolo Veronese were leaders in the dramatic style of Mannerism, while Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens demonstrated the movement and meticulous detail of Baroque art.
Historically, most attention was concentrated on male artists, but recent research and exhibitions have elevated the impactful work of women such as Rachel Ruysch and Artemisia Gentileschi. In late-18th-century France, female artists like Adélaïde Labille-Guiard and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun were prominent names. Nevertheless, access to the academies and guilds was highly restricted for women, and even those able to establish practices were expected to adhere to portraits and still lifes rather than the grand history paintings being created by men.
Find a collection of Old Masters prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors and other art 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.