0 In Inspiration

Vintage Art

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Pablo Picasso

Art is such an important element in helping a house become a home. At Park & Oak, we appreciate art in all its forms, but there is one type of wall art in particular that we turn to over and over: vintage art.

What qualifies as vintage? Firstly, it must be an original piece of art. The second qualifier — age — is a little more fluid. Some define vintage as over 20 years old, though others consider 50 years to be the right marker. We think anything in this range fits the bill. What is the difference between vintage and antique? Antique has a more rigid definition — must be over 100 years old!

When searching for vintage art for your own home, we have some tips for what to consider:

First and foremost, buy art that speaks to you. Sometimes, that’s as simple as the visual interest you have in a piece. But we also recommend looking for an artist’s signature, so you can do a little research on the artist, as well. Do they have a gallery? Or news stories written about them? Maybe a biography? Sometimes the life and body of work of an artist will resonate with you based on your own life experiences. If you have a personal connection to your art, it will hold a more meaningful place in your home.
Check to be sure you are buying an original piece and not a print. Reputable sellers will clearly distinguish prints from originals.
Physically, the frame is just as important as the art itself. If you are new to vintage hunting, you may be picturing only ornate, gilded frames, but vintage art comes in all different frame types to fit all different tastes (much like the art inside it!) Sometimes, we will even buy a piece for the frame alone and switch out the artwork.
Make sure the piece you choose fits into the scheme of your home. In a gallery wall, use similar colorways, or try to focus on one form: for example, a collection of nude sketches, in different mediums like watercolor, charcoal, etc.
Consider the age/condition of the painting. We love when a painting shows its age through cracklature and don’t mind discoloration in spots, but if you see a rip/tear or other markings, you may want to consider if the art can be salvaged or would work in your space.

However you approach it, vintage art brings soul to the wall and to extension, your home.