Holographic Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
Lucite, Pigment
2010s Street Art Paintings
Spray Paint, Panel
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Ceramic, Rope
Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
Brass
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Ceramic, Canvas, Wood
20th Century American Wall-mounted Sculptures
Iron
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Metal
2010s American Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Wall-mounted Sculptures
Steel
Antique 19th Century Uzbek Wall-mounted Sculptures
Cotton, Glass, Wood, Silk
Vintage 1960s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Bauhaus Wall-mounted Sculptures
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Brass
20th Century American Wall-mounted Sculptures
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Organic Modern Benches
Oak, Plywood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Plywood, Oak
1990s American Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Composition
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1970s Black and White Photography
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, C Print, Archival Pigment
1960s Black and White Photography
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1960s Black and White Photography
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1960s Black and White Photography
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1970s Black and White Photography
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1930s Black and White Photography
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1950s Black and White Photography
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1960s Black and White Photography
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1940s Black and White Photography
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1970s Black and White Photography
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment, Archival Paper, C Print
1960s Black and White Photography
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1960s Black and White Photography
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment, Archival Paper, C Print
1960s Black and White Photography
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, C Print, Archival Pigment
1960s Black and White Photography
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, C Print, Archival Pigment
1960s Black and White Photography
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1950s Black and White Photography
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1950s Color Photography
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1970s Black and White Photography
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1940s Black and White Photography
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1940s Black and White Photography
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1930s Portrait Photography
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21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
Lucite, Pigment
1940s Black and White Photography
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Finding the Right portrait-photography for You
Portrait photography can be a powerful part of your wall decor. Find a provocative and compelling portrait that speaks to you and you might find that the photograph will speak to your guests too.
Prior to the development of photography, which eventually replaced portrait paintings as a quicker and more efficient way of capturing a person’s essence, the subject of a portrait had to sit for hours until the painter had finished. In 1839, chemist and Philadelphia-based photographer Robert Cornelius didn’t have to wait very long for his portrait. In a matter of minutes, he captured what many believe to be the first portrait photograph. This shot was also the first self-portrait (or what we now call a “selfie”), and fine photography quickly became an art form.
Landscape photography, nude photography and portrait photography are very popular in today's modern interiors. A portrait can reveal a lot about the person in it. It can also add a narrative touch to your decor. You’ll often find that photographs of loved ones work well as decorative touches. A portrait of a family member or dear friend can help turn a house into a home, warming any space by evoking fond memories.
While family portraits can stir emotion, portraits of celebrities and important historical figures can also add a rich dynamic to your space. Portraits of famous musicians or intriguing actors hung in your dining room or home bar shot by Gered Mankowitz or Annie Leibovitz might inspire deep conversation over meals or drinks. Douglas Kirkland is also famous for his celebrity portraits. His photojournalism made him much sought after by Hollywood studios to document the filming of movies. In Kirkland’s powerful depiction of Hollywood stars, he excellently captures the glamour of their lives.
Other artists like Elliott Erwitt stand out by turning portraiture into a playful art form. Before graduating from high school in Hollywood, Erwitt had already begun to teach himself to take pictures, inspired by the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. In image after image, Erwitt captured what photographers call “the moment” with rapier wit and penetrating humanity.
Portrait photography can be incredibly expressive, setting the tone and mood for a room. And there are different ways of incorporating portrait photography into your interior decor. If you’re thinking about adding color photography to a bedroom or living room, the colors of the portraits can become part of the room’s palette, while portraits shot in black and white won’t disrupt an existing color scheme.
On 1stDibs, find a vast selection of portrait photography from different eras, including 1950s portraits, 1960s portrait photography and more.
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