Painted Wall Decorations

A rare pair of large 19th-century oil portraits depicting Julius Ferdinand Dreysel and his wife Friedericke, prominent figures in the textile industry of Plauen, Germany. Painted aro...

Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton (Anglo-American: 1799 - 1849), circa 1830s, an oil on canvas half-length portrait of a sea captain holding a spygl...

The three kings miniature painting. Antique Louis XV period painting of the three wise men who paid homage to the King. The three kings on card paper i...

Beautiful mid century Malian Bogolan tapestry with a nice tribal and artisanal design, from a scene of the village. Entirely hand painted on a hand woven cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Expe...

A late 19th Century hand painted mature portrait in a bone and Bronze frame with velvet backing and bronze twig like stand. An impeccable piece and lovely on the desk or shelf. A w...

Large and impressive painting of still life of flowers with a white cockatoo In an Italianate landscape with ancient columns and ruins in the background...

Rare Early 19th century Capriccio view of Rio de Janeiro Painting Probably painted circa 1810 by one of Jean-Baptiste Debret, Italian Students. Painted on Sailcloth. Historical Context of Early 19th Century Portuguese Colonial Brazil 1.1 Transition from Colony to Empire During the early 19th century, Brazil underwent a seismic shift in its political status. Originally a colony under the Portuguese Empire, the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Court in Rio de Janeiro in 1808 rapidly elevated the city’s cultural and political importance. By 1815, Brazil was declared a kingdom united with Portugal, setting the stage for the emergence of the Empire of Brazil in 1822. This period of transformation—often termed the transitional period from colony to empire—fueled a wave of artistic production in cities like Rio de Janeiro. 1.2 European Artistic Influence in Brazil With the French Artistic Mission in Rio (initiated in 1816) and the presence of various Portuguese and European artists, Brazilian art of the early 1800s began to reflect diverse influences, from neoclassical painting to the early rumblings of romanticism. Painters such as Jean-Baptiste Debret, and Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, and local luminaries like Manuel de Araújo Porto-Alegre contributed to the fine arts tradition in Brazil. Their works featured scenes of local life, portraits of Brazilian society, and imaginative vistas—sometimes referred to as “capriccios,” in which real elements were combined with artistic liberties to create an idealized panorama. 1.3 Rio de Janeiro as Cultural and Political Hub Rio de Janeiro, often called the Imperial capital after Brazil’s independence, was home to foundational institutions like the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts (Academia Imperial de Belas Artes). Later evolving into the Escola de Belas Artes (School of Fine Arts in Rio), these academies nurtured the talents of emerging painters, who found patronage under the Royal Court and, subsequently, the Imperial Court. The city’s significance was further enhanced by the construction of significant buildings, the modernization of infrastructure, and the mingling of European courtly customs with the traditions of local inhabitants. . Description of the Octagonal Oil on Canvas: A Capriccio View of Rio de Janeiro 2.1 Composition and Layout The most striking characteristic of this 19th-century Brazilian art piece is its octagonal shape, a relatively unusual format that draws the viewer’s gaze toward its centre. The composition showcases Rio de Janeiro’s shoreline in the early 1800s, brimming with merchant ships and smaller boats anchored near the shore. On the sand, there is a bustling crowd of local people—men and women carrying food and goods on their heads, loading and unloading boats, and engaging in everyday commerce. The backdrop of soaring mountains suggests Rio’s iconic topography, embodying the landscape that famously defines the city. 2.2 Architectural and Religious Landmarks On the left side, one can discern the silhouette of a church believed to be Santa Lucia, a significant religious structure in the heart of early 19th-century Rio. This element provides viewers with a tangible reference point, linking the scene to an actual location. However, because this painting is labelled as a “capriccio,” the artist might have taken creative liberties by rearranging or amplifying certain features of the city. The melding of real and idealized elements is characteristic of these imaginative vistas. 2.3 Evoking Daily Life in Colonial Rio One of the painting’s greatest appeals lies in its portrayal of daily life during the colonial era. Men and women from various backgrounds populate the scene. Some appear to be carrying goods on their heads, a common practice in Brazil that has persisted through different centuries. Others appear to be haggling or trading near small vessels, revealing the commercial pulse of an active port city. This focus on local people, combined with the grandeur of merchant ships, captures the tension and synergy between the every day and the extraordinary—a hallmark of Brazilian colonial painting that balances the grand narratives of empire with the rhythms of ordinary life. 2.4 An Amalgamation of Neoclassical and Romantic Influences Although academic art in early 19th century Brazil was highly influenced by neoclassicism, the onset of romanticism can be spotted in the emotional portrayal of the sky, the lively palette, and the dramatic emphasis on nature’s beauty (the mountains, in particular). This duality reflects the fine arts tradition in Brazil during the transitional phase when artists were embracing multiple styles. As part of the School of Rio or the Rio de Janeiro school, painters often integrated academic techniques learned from European masters with emerging local subjects and influences. 3. Institutions and Artistic Movements 3.1 Imperial Academy of Fine Arts Originally known as the Royal School of Sciences, Arts, and Crafts, the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro was instrumental in shaping 19th-century Brazilian art. Influential artists and teachers from Portugal, France, and other European nations congregated at the Academy, imparting their expertise to native students. As the monarchy consolidated power, the Academy enjoyed royal patronage, leading to the creation of Imperial Academy-style works that combined European academic rigour with Brazilian-themed subject matter. 3.2 Impact of the French Artistic Mission The French Artistic Mission, which arrived in 1816, played a pivotal role in introducing advanced European artistic techniques, thereby elevating the overall quality of painting in Brazil. Artists like Jean-Baptiste Debret not only documented Brazilian society but also spearheaded the development of a local visual identity that aligned with both academicism and the national context of a blossoming empire. Debret, alongside others such as Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, mentored Brazilian artists, sowing the seeds of what would become the Brazilian academic art movement. 3.3 Religious, Historical, and Landscape Paintings In addition to everyday scenes and historical compositions, religious iconography remained crucial throughout Portuguese colonial and imperial Brazil. Churches were omnipresent in cityscapes like Rio de Janeiro. Many colonial-era Brazilian portraits...

This classic 19th-century oil painting of a Collie dog features rich colors and textures, set against a serene landscape and sky. The bottom left-hand corner features the artist's si...

A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pré...

20th-century oil painting of two Jack Russell Terriers in a landscape setting. One sitting and alert, the other lying down.

Rare antique set of eight Chinese watercolors depicting women in various occupations executed in a traditional delicate style on pith. Presented in a gilt carved wood Asian style fra...

Bold Colorful acrylic painting on canvas depicting a "Glimpse of the Sea" through a house in tropical garden with bananas, executed in a modernist style, signed John Kiraly in the lo...

Jennifer Gibbs draws artistic inspiration primarily from meditation and nature. Her extensive body of work ranges from abstract expressionism to delicate botanicals to her charcoal l...

In an era when the circus provided an affordable and exotic form of entertainment for the Everyman, this vivid painting, glowing with the colors of red clay, slate and dusty pink, ca...

A framed Indian ceremonial Hindu deity from the mid 20th century, hand-painted on canvas. Created in India during the midcentury period, this scene, hand-p...

Celebrate the timeless beauty of florals with this refined 19th-century French still life painting, rendered in oil on canvas and presented in its original carved and giltwood frame....

Egyptian style (20th Century) painted red and gold wall plaque with winged bull. Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use

Fantastic painting of an African market by Ngasagras who was a member of the Poto-Poto school in Brazzaville,Congo.This wonderful piece depicts a Market...

Flowers artwork, antique oil painting, still life with bouquet of white daisies flowers  proposed here is an oil painting on canvas of the Nineteent...

A fabulous pair of 18th century doors from the Catalan region of Spain. Terrific painted finish and original hardware. Wonderful to build in or as wall mounted artwork.

A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pr...

Very rare, Vivid, Mid Century Modern, Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting on Canvas, hand Signed M. Q. Rothwell. (Michael Quincy Rothwell) This eye-catching, modernist Rothwe...

Rare decorative Christmas plates, released to celebrate the centenary of the first decorative Christmas plate. The anniversary cymbals were released by the Danish company Bing & ...

A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pré...

Beautiful original signed watercolor painting by listed, deceased English painter, Reverend Laurence George Bomford, (1847-1926) titled "Loch Achilty" and dated 1889 is a tranquil wo...

Large oil on canvas after Pieter Casteels III [Flemish 1684-1749. The painting depicts a tale from Aesops Fables, "Jackdaw and Peacock Feathers". T...

Quiet and at peace, with almost a smile on his face, the expired Saint Sebastian depicted here -- in the nude, as is customary, and wounded with multiple arrows -- probably dates to ...

A 19th C three quarter length portrait of an aristocratic gentleman with his personal valet shown behind him. The young man with flowing long hair is portrayed from the waist up and ...

Italian Neo-classic style plaster wall plaque with painted faux porphyry scene of 3 figures within a white and gilt frame.

Art Deco Nude by John Montroue, signed in lower right corner and reverse reads - "Grace" Air brush technique by John Montroue, 8/70. Dramatic silhouette of a female nude, cubist/mode...

Watercolor and ink depicting a winter street scene with colorful figures walking both on the sidewalk and in the street along-side the canal. The canal is lined by barren trees that ...

A wall-mounted allegorical figural group in hand painted plaster resin relief depicting life sized nude sculptures modeled in erotic position...

This is a Chateau de Tuileries Sevres Style hand painted cabinet porcelain plate. It depicts a pastoral scene of a courting couple in the center with a gilt cobalt blue circular rim....

Karl Viktor Mayr (Austrian, 1882-1974) a very fine Austrian oil on canvas "An Exotic Nude Girl" depicting a young semi-nude woman, revealing her breast...

Attributed to William Griggs, circa 1880, this pair of lithographs in hand-painted black frames depict a set of Neoclassical Wedgwood amphora vases. Both prints are on cream paper, a...

Viggo Johansen (1851 Copenhagen-1935 Copenhagen) “Three Seagulls” Oil on canvas, mounted on cardboard Signed/monogrammed lower left 42 x 55 cm Viggo Johansen was one of the fir...

Pair 18th century French neoclassical hand-carved and painted wall sconces ~ Corbels were sculpted from solid oak and feature a timeless classical scroll festooned with acanthus flou...

This painting by Libertad Gomez, 1983 is a breath of fresh air. We like the use of colors and the artist's rendition of an outside in environment. Frame...

Circle of VAN DE KASTEELE, Frans (Brussels, c. 1541 – Italy, 1621). "Virgin with angels and saints". Oil on copper. Curly frame in ebony. Devotiona...

Giovanni Paolo Castelli, known as "Lo Spadino" (Rome 1659 – around 1730) Still Life with a Composition of Fruit Dimensions: frame cm L 76.5 x H 61 x D 6.5. Canvas cm L 55.5 x H 40 Th...

Vintage oval portrait in a beautiful gilded wood frame of Sir Alexander Gibson, Lord Durie I of Scotland. He lived circa 1570–1644, and was aScottish judge and legal author, known to...

Authentic Italian Fresco in Roman Style – Garden Landscape with Villa, Inspired by Tivoli A remarkable piece of Italian wall art inspired by the classical Roman villas of Tivoli an...

Boldly conceived and executed, this original maquette for a proposed Saturday Evening Post cover by Larry Segall depicts a sailor at the helm of a ship, his hands on the wheel and hi...

Brilliantly painted in deep pink, sky blue and ivory tones, this 1936-vintage oil painting depicts a Chinese noblewoman in an embroidered gown and elaborate headpiece, flanked by sym...

Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist blacksmith father whom he lost very early in his childhood during the Second World War. During the end phase of the war, Keil's mother, also a...

1966 Sonia Chusit Abstract Nude Oil Painting on Canvas Offered for sale is a 1966 abstract oil painting on canvas by the American artist Sonia Chusit (1926-2023) . The work depict...

Incredible vintage hand-painted screen panels designed by Robert Crowder in the United States, circa 1960s. These screen panels have a design that takes us back to the typical gardens of ancient Japan, which fell in love with the eye and spread peace to visitors. It features six rectangular panels with a white background, which simulates an elegant oil painting...

This striking pair of hand-painted wooden corbels from New Mexico, crafted circa 1940, beautifully showcases the bold design and traditional craftsmanship of mid-20th century Southwe...

19th Century, View of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Follower of Francesco Guardi Dimensions: frame, cm W 121.5 x H 105 x D 5.5. Canvas cm W 100 x H 81 The work, created by a Venetian ...

Decorate a study, living room or den with this beautiful and colorful antique painting! Painted in France circa 1890, the artwork on canvas is set in an ornate, giltwood frame with r...

Add a noble touch to your study or library with this elegant 19th-century heraldic plaque. Crafted in France circa 1870, the antique wooden shield features a beautifully hand-painted...

PAIR of Italian Neoclassic Black Framed 18th Century Gouache Paintings with birds (att: MICHELANGELO MAESTRI) (PRICED AS PAIR)

Work by Claude Viallat, Empreintes, Acrylic, 1987, France, with authenticity rapport by the artist.

This contemporary abstract painting by Felix Bachmann, created in 2025, explores the tension between form and void through a striking black-and-white palette. Executed on canvas usin...

Emil Betzler German expressionist tempera on paper on ingrain 'Harlequins 2', the 1960s Outstanding piece of expressionist art. Signed. Similar work is shown in 'Emil Betzler' - mon...

Jose Maria Ansalone Montauk point lighthouse painting on canvas, 2007 Offered for sale is a painting on canvas of the lighthouse at Montauk Point, Long Island, N.Y. by the renowne...

A 19th century French Louis XVI style trumeau mirror with a sepia toned oil painting depicting a pastoral courtship scene. Pale green painted pine frame with gilded border trim. Orig...

Vintage Pop Art Paperclip Wall Sculpture, purchased in Italy and in the style of Curtis Jere. The sculpture of oversized paperclips linked together is in fun primary colors and measu...

Copper plate engraving of the Geranium by Pancrace Bessa, 1819. Engraving with original hand-coloring on laid paper with visible ribbed paper texture and plate marks. There are a t...

Large Scale Chinoiserie Painting, attributed to Maitland Smith, American, circa 1980s. It measures an impressive 66“ height x 54“ width. It has an overall craquelure finish as origin...