Behind every vintage portrait is a story. So when you hang one on your wall, you’re not just hanging a picture. You’re creating an inviting atmosphere of conversation and interest. Look for portraits that speak to you in some way. Whether you see yourself in the face of someone else or love the painter’s art style, a beautiful painting is worth the cost.
So we went on Etsy and found 12 stunning portraits that will inspire and charm you. Take a look at what we found!
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The Dancing Girl
This unique oil painting captures the carefree wonder of a girl dancing along a grassy pathway. This is an impressionist oil painting created in the mid-20th century.
Caught in a Thought
Here's a two-sided pencil drawing by Spanish artist, Josep Donat Torralba. On one side, we catch a woman in the middle of a deep thought. On the other side, a woman gently tugs on the heel of her stylish shoe. This sketch is from the 1940s, finished with pencil and charcoal.
The Grooves of Confidence
From the funky zig-zag pattern to the gold statement earring, this man is rocking the confidence of the groovy '70s. This is an oil painting by Chicago-area artist, Elise Pike Lerman, from the 1970s.
A Shy Smile
This beautiful portrait was painted by Soviet Ukranian artist, Vladimir Kolesnik. In a time of tension and speculation, this woman still offers a shy smile. This is an oil painting from the 1950s.
A Solemn Man
This austere gentleman comes with just the right amount of wear and tear to make his portrait a rustic vintage treasure. This painting appears to be finished with watercolor and dates back to the 19th. century.
Collecting the Wheat
A golden frame circles 'round this stylish French peasant girl. She may seem meek at first, but judging from the scythe in her hand and the bail of wheat she proudly holds, she's putting in a hard day's work. This is a pastel painting is from the 19th century.
A Friendly Face
This friendly man looks like he's just come upon a pleasant scene; perhaps he's having a chuckle at the energetic antics of his grandchildren. This charming drawing is a pencil sketch created in 1974.
Bold Patchwork
Talk about poise—because this woman has it. Donning a patched, multi-colored hat, she's an essence of retro spunk. This is an acrylic painting from the 1980s.
The Afterglow
This portrait perfectly depicts the hazy glow of 1960s glam. We may not garner much about this girl from her portrait, but one thing we know for certain: she knows her way around a hairspray can. This is a pastel drawing from the 1960s, created in England.
The Story in Paint
Even cloaked in layers of thick brushstrokes and abstract technique, this striking woman conveys a presence bigger than life. This is a Modernist oil painting by Ruth Hamburger, from the 1920s.
A Fierce Gaze
True, this portrait costs a pretty penny, but it's well worth it. With long, chestnut-hair flipped over blank shoulders and a bold stare, this woman conveys a sense of fearlessness. "Indian Girl" is an original Popo and Ruby Lee oil painting from 1976, complete with a COA.
Hues of Blue
It's as though he's an experienced seaman submerged in the ocean, keeping an eye out for toothy visitors. This is a lovely oil painting from before 2000.
