Interior Paintings

It might seem redundant to show an interior painting in a domestic interior. But historically, interior paintings have increased in popularity during times of prosperity. They underline the sense of domestic space and home. For example, during the Dutch Golden Age of the 1600s, lots of still life or genre scenes were sold.

In the 19th century, women artists in France and England often specialized in interior scenes. The prevailing codes placed severe restrictions on women, and it was inappropriate for them to go anywhere without a chaperone. Mary Cassat, a French Impressionist, painted interior scenes of motherhood and domestic life.

Artists through each art historic period have painted interiors. You can find Cubist interiors, Pointillist interiors, and Pop interiors. Contemporary artists today sometimes paint interiors in historic styles, or in a style of their own.

Quick Facts

• On Thursday, May 14, 2015, Christie’s New York sold "Le corsage rouge,"1922, a painting in oil on canvas by Cubist Fernand Léger, for $16.9 million
• In the same sale, Dans la veranda, 1884, by impressionist Berthe Morisot, sold for $2.5 million
• The previous evening, Christie's New York sold Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s "Collage for Interior: Perfect Pitcher," 1994, for $4.4 million