What is the purpose of painting?

The purpose of painting has varied over the centuries. During the Middle Ages, painting made it possible for a largely illiterate population to learn stories from the Bible, as depicted by paintings located within cathedrals. Throughout the Renaissance, paintings were produced more for decorative purposes, with wealthy people and monarchs commissioning works to display their power and prestige. Gradually, painting became more about conveying emotions and messages that artists wished to express. Today, artists typically paint to communicate ideas, concepts and stories to viewers. Explore a diverse assortment of paintings on 1stDibs.