Genre Scenes
Genre paintings tell stories — scenes of everyday life, cottage interiors, markets, children at play and figures at work and rest. Painted by British and European artists across the 18th to 20th centuries, they are among the most characterful and collectable works in the antique market.
Antique Expressionist Painting: Military Procession , Oil On Canvas , 1972
Frederick Wilhelm Scholander (1816-1881) : Monastry scene, watercolour
Continental School (19TH Cen-ry) : Group Of Courtiers , Oil On Canvas , Framed
Continental School : Rustic Scene With Family Group , Oil On Print , Framed
Emile Pierre Metzmacher ( French, 1842-1916) : Tapestry Of Romance , Watercolor
Emile Pierre Metzmacher ( French, 1842-1916) : Stolen Tryst , Watercolor
Attributed To Alexandr Fraser Senior : The Card Players , Oil On Canvas
Where portraits record a person and landscapes a place, genre painting captures a moment. The best examples combine fine handling with warmth and narrative, and many are catalogued by school and period. Each is described with its medium, dimensions and condition.
What you’ll find here
- Everyday life, interiors, markets and figure scenes
- British and European, 18th–20th century
- Narrative works with strong character and fine handling
- Named artists and works catalogued by period
Learn how attribution works in Reading the Signature, or start with our buyer’s guide.