Easel Art

(stankovoe iskusstvo), a term used in the Soviet Union to designate works of painting, sculpture, and graphic art that are self-contained and, unlike works of monumental art or book illustration, are not specifically designed for a particular structure or publication. The content and expressiveness of a work of easel art remain constant even if the work is placed in a new setting. The term “easel art” derives from the stand or support on which the works of art are created. Easel art has developed extensively since the Renaissance; it was especially popular during the 19th century.