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The broad definition of vintage art generally artworks created as early as the 1870's.
La Belle Époque, the "beautiful age" in France from the 1890s up to the advent of the First World War. As early as the 1870's, posters brightened the streets of Paris and before long posters were appearing in every western country. Its popularity coincided with the rise of the use of the lithographic poster for advertising.The first poster gallery opened in Paris in the 1890's and interest in collecting these original works of art has never stopped growing. A middle class was developing in France for the first time, and gave its name to this genre. World class artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec were leading poster designers of this period.
The era took its name from the Parisian gallery, Maison de l'Art Nouveau. Characteristics: These artists looked to nature for inspiration. Elaborate decorative designs incorporate twining vines and flowers, and at times are almost abstract. A rich, lush palette gives these posters a look like no other.
The themes of Persian miniature are mostly related to the Persian mythology and poetry. Western artists discovered the Persian miniature in the beginning of the 20th century. Persian miniatures uses pure geometry and vivid palette. The allure of Persian miniature painting lies in its absorbing complexities and in the surprising way it speaks to large questions about the nature of art and the perception of its masterpieces. It is difficult to trace the origins of the art of Persian miniature, as it reached its peak mainly during the Mongol and Timurid periods (13th - 16th Century). Mongolian rulers of Iran instilled the cult of Chinese painting and brought with them a great number of Chinese artisans. Paper itself, reached Persia from China in 753 AD. Hence, the Chinese influence is very strong. Originally, Persian miniatures were commissioned as book illustrations for Persian illuminated manuscripts. Only the wealthiest of patrons could afford these illustrations, with some Persian miniatures taking up to a year to complete. Eventually, people also began collecting these works of art on their own, binding them into separate books. Many of these collections fortunately survive to this day, along with other examples of Persian art such as Iran's famous pile carpets.