Genre Paintings

Genre Paintings: Capturing Everyday Life

Genre paintings are artworks that depict scenes of everyday life, often with ordinary people engaged in common activities. They offer a glimpse into the customs, habits and social interactions of different times and places, as well as revealing the artist’s own perspective and style. Genre paintings can be realistic, imagined or romanticized, depending on the intention and skill of the artist.

At M.S. Rau, we have a remarkable collection of genre paintings for sale, ranging from the 17th century to the present day. These paintings showcase the diversity and richness of genre art, as well as the talent and creativity of the artists who created them. Whether you are looking for a charming domestic scene, a lively tavern or market, a humorous anecdote, or a poignant moment, you are sure to find the perfect genre painting here.

Origins of Genre Painting

The term genre painting refers to paintings that portray aspects of everyday life by showing ordinary people engaged in common activities. Though genre painting dates back to ancient times, spanning across different cultures and regions, the term originated in 18th-century France to describe painters who specialized in one kind of subject matter, such as flowers, animals or middle-class life.

Genre painting evolved as a form of social commentary, as it reflects the values, norms and realities of different societies. It can also be a form of artistic expression, as it reveals the individual style, technique and vision of the artist. Genre painting can be realistic, showing accurate details and proportions; imagined, creating fictional scenes or characters; or romanticized, idealizing or exaggerating aspects of life.

Why Buy Genre Paintings from M.S. Rau?

If you are looking to buy genre paintings online or in person, you will not find a better place than M.S. Rau. Our gallery features carefully selected works from a diverse array of artists and periods, all backed by our unparalleled 125% guarantee. Whether you are looking for a rare antique or a contemporary masterpiece, you will find it among our genre paintings for sale.

Browse our online catalog or visit our gallery in New Orleans to explore our genre painting collection. You will be amazed by the quality and variety of our genre paintings, as well as by our expert service and advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy genre paintings by history’s most famed artists online or in person from M.S. Rau.