I guess people keep paintings because they think they're valuable, either in money or feelings. If it's an original painting and the artist is famous, it could be worth something and might increase in value, so it makes sense to keep it. Also, a painting might have been passed down through the family, making it sentimentally valuable. Some families might even keep a painting that's not very nice to look at, simply because it's been in the family for a long time.

Some people keep paintings for years because they simply adore the beauty of the artwork. Each time they look at it, they might find something new to appreciate. And there's also the feeling that a painting can bring comfort or inspiration. Like, a peaceful landscape might calm someone after a stressful day, or a vibrant abstract might spark creativity.

People often keep paintings for ages because they symbolize their cultural roots. A painting might represent an important part of someone's heritage, reminding them of their background. Also, some paintings are like icons, capturing the essence of a historical era or a cultural movement. They can be a talking point and educate others about that period or style.