Canvas Prints

Popartuk Knowledge Base

The word canvas is derived from the Arabic word for cannabis: hemp was popularly used to make canvas.

Modern canvas is usually made of cotton. It is plain weave, which makes it differ from more heavy cotton fabrics such as denim, which is twill weave. It comes in two basic types: plain and duck (the threads in duck canvas are more tightly woven.)

Canvas has become the most common support medium for oil painting. 'Madonna with Angels' is one of the earliest surviving oils on canvas, from around 1410 in the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin. Venetian and Mantegna artists were among those leading the change from wooden panels to canvas. Venetian sail canvas was readily available and considered of the best quality.

Early canvas was made of linen, which was a fabric of substantial strength, and is suitable for the use of oil paint. During the early 20th century cotton canvas came into use. Linen still remains popular with many professional artists, as it is composed of higher quality material. The advent of acrylic paint has increased the popularity and use of cotton duck canvas. Cotton duck stretches more fully, and offers a more economical alternative.

Canvases are incredibly attractive and the finished product is professional and very high quality. Famous icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Bob Marley are adorned onto many different canvases, as well as a few loved cartoon characters such as Snoopy.