Paintings & Art: a life on the wall

Art as a Mirror of Time

A painting is more than paint on canvas. It is a moment frozen in time — a painter's view of their world, their light, their feeling. Vintage and antique art brings that world to your wall, giving any space depth, character, and a story that began long before you were there.

The Low Countries: A Golden Heritage

The Netherlands has one of the richest painting traditions in the world. The Golden Age — the 17th century — produced masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals, as well as hundreds of lesser-known painters who created still lifes, landscapes, and genre scenes of unparalleled quality. An old Dutch painting on the wall is a direct connection to that tradition.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Hague School flourished, with painters like Jozef Israëls and Anton Mauve capturing the Dutch landscape and the lives of ordinary people in soft, atmospheric tones. Their work is still beloved by collectors worldwide.

Europe: From Impressionism to Expressionism

The 19th and 20th centuries were an explosion of styles and movements. French Impressionism forever changed how we view light and color. German Expressionism prioritized emotion over realism. Belgian Symbolists painted dream worlds full of mystery. Each of these movements left a legacy of work that can now be found in private collections and on markets — sometimes at surprisingly accessible prices.

Asian Art: Ink, Silk, and Perspective

In China and Japan, painting developed along very different lines than in Europe. Chinese ink landscapes — with their mist, mountains, and solitary figures — are based on a philosophy of emptiness and presence. Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) by masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige profoundly influenced European art and are still iconic.

Prints, Graphics, and Illustrations

Besides paintings, the world of vintage art also has a rich tradition of graphic art: etchings, lithographs, screen prints, and woodcuts. From old botanical prints to art deco posters and vintage travel posters — graphic art is accessible, decorative, and often of high quality. A beautiful print in a fitting frame can completely transform a space.

Fine Art and Sculpture

Art is not limited to flat surfaces. Bronze figurines, terracotta figures, plaster busts, and ceramic sculptures are equally carriers of artistic expression. From a classic Greek replica to an expressionistic bronze figure — three-dimensional art gives a space weight and presence.

Art at 2nd Hand Bargain

At 2nd Hand Bargain, you will find a carefully curated selection of vintage paintings, prints, graphics, and fine art. Each piece is unique and has its own history. Whether you are looking for an atmospheric landscape, a characterful portrait, or a decorative print — we help you find a piece that suits your space and your story.