An easel is a portable support used to hold a panel or canvas while being painted. Easel painting was known to the ancient Egyptians. In the first century CE, the Roman scholar, Pliny the Elder, makes reference of a large panel placed on an easel. However, it wasn't until the 13th century that easels replaced murals and other forms of wall painting.

On September 11, 1841, John Rand patented a collapsible tube for oil paints.

Easel and Panel Painting
The easel was in common use during the Renaissance period. The radical change in the way painters worked established studio pictures as an art form and for the first time recognized painters as individual artists.

All About Easels
Learn more about easels from your About Guide to painting.

History of Painting Media
Glue, wax paint, cera colla, mastic, casein paint, fresco, egg, oil paint and acrylic paint.

Important disclaimer information about this About site.