This Week's Top 5 Favorite 1stdibs Items: Portraits!

We've never quite understood the use of portraits in interior design. Unless it's a family member, loved one or yourself, why would you want the likeness of a face in your decor? Still, our bias aside, this type of accessory and artwork has persisted throughout the ages and has cemented itself as a legitimate form of decor. It's even taken on many, many different forms over the years. We've gathered, from 1stdibs' newest listings this week, five examples of portraits to choose from. Won't you tell us what you think about these and portraiture in general?

1) Andy Warhol-Howdy Doody Original Screenprint
Who better to start with in the portraiture department than the one and only Andy Warhol? His pop art creations are ultra-famous and synonymous with making portraits of things that are ultra famous. This Howdy Doody one is apparently quite sought after.
Price: $48,000
Dealer: The Antique and Artisan Center

2) A Very Large Prattware Mug in the form of Admiral Rodne
Is it insulting to drink out of the portrait of someone? Or the sincerest and highest form of flattery? (Some people do worship their morning coffee a lot, after all.) We're not sure, but we sure dig what a neat way to present a portrait this is.
Price: $5,000
Dealer: Vandekar

3) Portrait of a Lady
Ahh the anonymous portrait. Perfect for placing in homes where you might not have your own family portraits. Also kind of fun to use in making up stories about infamous ancestors when guests visit.
Price: contact dealer
Dealer: Austin T Miller

4) Mark Shaw Editioned Photo-Portrait of Henrietta Tiarks #3
Here we see what the most contemporary idea of a portrait is: a photograph. Something that can be done professionally or by a novice at home, the photograph is something that can easily and simply record some one's likeness, but that doesn't make it any less art.
Price: $800
Dealer: Svenska Mobler

5) White Carrera Marble Statue of Noble Man
Perhaps the most archaic and expensive form of portraiture, the statue, is a way of recording some one's likeness that is tough, flattering and practically permanent.
Price: $12,500
Dealer: Antonio's Bella Casa

Don't forget to check out the rest of this week's listings from 1stdibs, where you can find more fabulous, one-of-a-kind show-stopping pieces, as well as a number of other great pieces! Also: please visit our revamped Facebook page for more information about us and follow us on twitter (@swanklighting) to always be up-to-date on Swank Lighting happenings.