Schinkel Fine Art

Why it's called fine art comes down to the word's origin. The term originates from the Old French word "fin," which means perfected or of the highest quality. The term is fitting since art is classified as "fine" due to an artist's exceptional technique, ingenuity and creativity. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of fine art.

The difference between fine and functional art is its purpose. Functional art usually has a practical use. Ceramics, textiles and industrial design are examples of functional art. On the other hand, fine art typically exists to tell a story, convey a message or express an idea. Examples of fine art include paintings, prints and sculptures. Shop a wide variety of fine and functional art on 1stDibs.

The difference between fine and folk art comes down primarily to function. Fine artists produce paintings, prints, sculptures and other artworks to express an idea or concept, communicate a message or tell a story. With folk art, artists are usually more interested in following cultural traditions than self-expression. Pieces of folk art often have more practical uses compared to works of fine art, such as quilts and furniture. Other examples of folk art include pottery, masks, textiles and carvings. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of fine and folk art.