Antique Paintings

From European still lifes to Orientalist landscapes, Mayfair Gallery’s splendid collection of antique paintings exemplifies the skill of their 19^th century makers, often working to depict highly intricate details within a realistic style.

The 19^th century saw particularly dramatic changes within the fine art realm. In tandem with the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of the European world, Western painting transitioned away from the ‘Old Masters’ who had dominated since the Renaissance period, moving towards the dawn of Modernism. Whereas painters previously worked on commission to produce works on behalf of a client or institution, it was during the 19th Century that these artists truly began to produce works of their own accord, exploring new and personal areas of interest.

To counteract the advance of the industrial age, many European painters sought to recreate the genre scenes of centuries past. Mayfair Gallery’s collection of antique paintings encompasses a wide variety of these charming genre paintings. From Italian artists depicting the lavish court scenes of the upper classes, to English Victorian painters rendering rural scenes of family life, these works are pleasing snapshots into the idealised everyday, which allow the extraordinary skills of their makers to shine through.

Alongside genre scenes, still lifes, and porcelain plaques, Mayfair Gallery is proud to present a large collection of Orientalist paintings. Whilst many artists detested the growing industrialisation of the Western world, breakthroughs in transportation, especially rail travel, allowed artists to travel to the ‘exotic’ lands which had captured the painterly imagination for centuries past. Mayfair Gallery’s collection encompasses works by some of the best painters working in the Orientalist style. Working predominantly in oil and watercolour, these artists captured the balmy environments and thriving cultures of the Middle Eastern and North African landscapes. 

Whether you are looking for a complementary artwork or a stand-out piece, our exquisite selection of antique paintings is sure to satisfy any taste.

Learn more about the history of antique painting in our blog here.