Antique Portrait Paintings

Antique Portrait Paintings for Sale  

Old Souls, New Stories – A Collection of Faces You’ll Never Forget
At Wildschut Antiques, our collection of antique portrait paintings is one of our quirkiest and most beloved categories. These aren’t just faces in gilded frames—they’re personalities, moods, and mysteries, waiting to become part of your home. We rarely know who they were—but somehow, they still feel familiar. And isn’t that part of the magic?

A Gallery of Imaginary Ancestors
Most of the portraits we find come from estate sales, antique markets, or dusty auction lots. They're rarely labeled, rarely famous—and yet, incredibly captivating. Whether it’s the proud gaze of a 19th-century noblewoman or the contemplative stare of a scholarly gentleman, these paintings invite curiosity.

Portraits of People You’ve (Probably) Never Met

We often say: “Adopt a stranger, make them family.”  

We may not know who these fine individuals were—but they look important! These soulful, often slightly mysterious paintings bring gravitas and charm to a gallery wall or hallway. And honestly, isn’t it fun to pretend you’ve inherited a distant, noble aunt or moustached great-uncle? 

Create your own portrait gallery of fictional ancestors. Give them names. Invent stories. Let them add a touch of history and humor to your hallway, stairwell, or salon wall! Create your own imaginary family tree, no DNA test required. How fun is that!

From Regal to Rustic—A Wide Range of Styles  

Our portrait collection is just as eclectic as our taste:  

• Formal antique oil portraits with exquisite detail and depth
• Folk and naïve portraits that radiate warmth and simplicity
• Moody silhouettes and character studies from the 18th to early 20th centuries
• Occasional group portraits or even anonymous busts that once graced manor halls

Each one is handpicked for its presence. Some are perfectly imperfect. A little craquelure here, a worn frame there—but always full of soul.

Cleaned, Preserved, and Ready to Hang
We ensure that every painting is cleaned and, if needed, professionally restored—preserving its original charm while making it ready for daily display. You don’t need to be an art historian to enjoy these. Just a lover of beautiful, mysterious things.

Why Choose Antique Portraits?
Because they bring personality. While contemporary art can sometimes fade into the background, antique portraits command attention. They spark conversations, start stories, and elevate interiors with a sense of heritage and depth.

They also pair surprisingly well with modern spaces—try hanging a 19th-century lady in a minimalist hallway and see the magic happen.

Shipping Antique Portraits – Worldwide, Safe & Insured
Bringing your portrait painting home is easy. We offer insured global shipping for all our artworks.

Within Europe, delivery is arranged via trusted courier services or parcel shipping through DHL or UPS. To the United States and beyond, we ship smaller items using reliable parcel services, while larger pieces travel securely via air or sea freight —always packed with care to ensure safe arrival.

Shop Antique Portrait Paintings at Wildschut Antiques
Whether you're creating your own gallery, looking for the perfect antique to soften a sleek interior, or just want someone mysterious to keep you company—our portrait collection always has something surprising to offer.

Browse our selection of antique portraits and find the face that speaks to you. (Just don’t be surprised if they start to feel like family.)