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Holiday Gift Guide: Mothers and Fathers

As the holidays grow near, many of us are reminded of fond childhood memories. Most of us know that our parents worked very hard to provide us with the best they could during those times. There is no better way to show your appreciation to them for all their hard work, then by giving them the gift of a beautiful piece of art. Here we have some of our top picks for the perfect gift for a mother or father this holiday season.

Mother:

Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir-Young Girls at the Piano

Young Girls at the Piano by Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a commissioned piece for the Musée de Luxembourg. In it, Renoir portrays two working-class girls, one playing the piano while her friend observes. With the artist’s expert use of spacing and detail, the viewer sees their unmistakable delight in this innocent moment. This would make the perfect gift for a mother with a love of music.

Vincent Van Gogh-Vase with Red Poppies

With its bold use of color and incredible level of detail, Vase with Red Poppies by Vincent Van Gogh appears full of life and vitality. Due to illness, Van Gogh painted many still life subjects during the end of his career, including a number of flowers and these are some of the most memorable. Nothing is a more classic gift for a mother than a lovely bouquet of flowers and these will stay in bloom all year.

Gustav Klimt-Pallas Athene

Pallas Athena by Gustav Klimt stands for the fight of the members of the Secession against the art of the establishment and was selected as patroness for the exhibition of the Secession in Austria during 1897. Klimt’s mature style combines richly decorative surface patterning with complex symbolism and allegory. Show your mother you think she is a strong role model by gifting her this inspiring piece.

Father:

Rembrandt-Return of the Prodigal Son

Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is a striking rendition of the classic biblical parable about a son who leaves with all of his father’s wealth and returns poor, to be embraced in forgiveness by his father. Rembrandt is generally considered one of the greatest painters and print makers in European art and the most important in Dutch history. This would be a perfect symbol to give this holiday to show that you will always return home.

Edward Hopper-Nighthawks

Inspired by a corner diner on Greenwich Avenue, Nighthawks by Edward Hopper is a seemingly simple scene with a strong, borderline eerie atmosphere. The original instantly became a classic of modern American art. The glass window and lack of a visible entryway combine to send a powerful message about being alone. This would be a great way to show a father figure in your life that he doesn’t have to be lonely.

Winslow Homer-Snap the Whip

Snap the Whip is one of Winslow Homer’s most captivating depictions of children playing. An American landscape painter, Homer is considered one of the foremost painters in 19th century America. His depictions of rural American life have become legendary. Help the most important man in your life relive the feelings of joy childhood brings by hanging this up for him in his favorite room.

Your parents worked hard to try and provide you with wonderful childhood memories of the holidays. Now is your chance to give them something to remember with a well-crafted piece of art. It can be something they enjoy for years to come. These are just a few of the wonderful art pieces we offer. If you don’t see something that you think will work, browse our great bestsellers gallery for even more ideas.

About the Author

Amanda graduated from the University of Kansas, where she studied English literature and got a masters degree in library sciences. She enjoys reading, cooking and playing with her nephews. Her best friend is her little dog Brady.