J Vivian

Jane Vivian was a British landscape painter who lived in London. She was known particularly for her views of Venice and exhibited several works at the Royal Society of British Artists, including views of Venice, Bruges and Rouen. She also exhibited at several provincial galleries, including the Royal Society of Artists, Birmingham, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Manchester Art Gallery and the Royal Hibernian Academy. She came from a dynasty of topographical artists who worked and lived in England. Vivian first exhibited a view of Venice from a London address in 1869 and continued to exhibit mainly Italian views until 1877. Around 1880, she seems to have moved, as did her father, as their next exhibiting address was Islington Row, Birmingham, where she continued to exhibit work until 1888. The name J.V. de Fleury reappears at the Birmingham Society exhibitions in 1892 and 1893. Her work shows attention to detail that is a reflection of her father's technique, but there is a lightness of touch and softness in the palate, which is considered even finer.

When paired with the perfect frame, the right antique and vintage paintings and other wall decorations can either subtly showcase your personality or steal the show altogether. 

The earliest paintings were created on the walls of caves, proving even our ancient ancestors knew that striking artwork is meant to be on display. Cave paintings on an Indonesian island are reportedly older than the earliest cave art in Spain and France, and the figurative paintings back then were produced with inorganic pigments like iron oxide.

Later, the people of Ancient Greece — who learned about art from the Egyptians before them — conceived panel paintings of wax and tempera that were collected and publicly displayed. In the centuries that followed, artists would be commissioned to create large-scale wall murals and frescoed ceilings in sprawling European palaces and in the homes of the aristocracy.

Today, 1stDibs makes it easy for you to celebrate this rich history in your own home. Our collection of paintings includes Art Deco paintings, baroque art and a broad range of other categories. Search by material, period or other attributes to find the right fit — browse an array of 19th century landscape paintings in giltwood frames or abstract oil paintings and portraits made during the 1950s and ‘60s.

An understated contemporary work can complement your space’s color palette without drawing the focus away from the other pivotal design choices you’ve made over the years. Roy Lichtenstein’s Pop art, on the other hand, demands attention with its array of vibrant hues and subjects inspired by popular culture. 

Whether you aim to create a gallery in your home or build a single, stunning focal point, you can find what you’re looking for in an extensive inventory of paintings on 1stDibs.