He says I love a painting more than him

This. Or ask him to shut up.

To make his living space feel less uncomfortable for him.

JFC! as a pp said, this man has already colonised OP's house!

It could be.
Or it could be that he’s just not comfortable living with the ‘ghost’ of an ex about the place.

It’s a known thing that it can be hard for some people to cope with feeling like they’re living in the shadow of the ex.

Either way, we don’t know. We are just randoms on the internet making guesses.

OP lives with him, and is saying he’s not jealous or controlling. So given that is what she has said I would be inclined to try replacing the painting with something they have chosen together. To make his living space feel less uncomfortable for him. Not getting rid of the painting, just putting it somewhere else (or in storage) for now and see what happens.

Just my 5c worth.

Your chosen and prized art is a representation of the inner depths of your soul. I can understand why you're upset. I had a relationship where we clashed over the art displayed in the house - it was a symbol of deeper problems really - and we couldn't resolve it while living together in the end.

It seems you may not be compatible at all.

And that us aside from him being unreasonable, sulky, neurotic, and controlling.

I wouldn’t get rid of it, it’s a piece of art you enjoy, and I would put it up in any home I was living in if it’s something I liked

is he going to get rid of everything his ex’s have bought him?

needs to grow up, you are with him

Have you seen OPs post where he wanted her to sell her home that she had lived in alone for 8 years because she had originally bought it was an ex? That is controlling, and disturbing.

The more you say the more alarm bells are ringing for me. I hope you have taken legal advice on how to protect your home.

How long have you been together? How long have you lived together? What does he contribute to the bills?

This man has colonised your house and he's now emotionally blackmailing you and stonewalling you. He is telling you who he is. Have a long think about your life with him. I'm not sure why you moved him in at all.

He sounds like a big old red flag. I would not marry this one or have kids with him if I was you. I'd also make sure my asset was protected. He sounds like he has a lot going on under the surface you aren't seeing, those glimpses would make me nervous, make sure you protect yourself.🚩🚩🚩🚩

Same. He needs to get over himself.

He's started testing your boundaries. Keep the painting, dump him.

He's being ridiculous.

My DH is currently drinking out of a fancy wine glass from a set I was given as a wedding present when I married my ex 😂😂

and his children have a room in YOUR house too ?!!!

and he has the nerve to comment on a piece of art...

'I agreed that we wouldn’t have it in a prominent place if we bought a house together '

but

you haven't bought a place together

he has moved into your home

how soon can he move out of your home ?!!!

He didn't want to live in it because you bought it with an ex???
That was your first big red flag. He's possessive and jealous, be very careful with this one. He's just turned the heat up beneath you to a low simmer. You'll be a boiled frog before you know it.

I don’t like your options.

Don’t sell it at all.

Also disagree with the nonsense about ‘if this were the other way around..’ blah blah blah.

You have a three bedroom house? And he has one room for his kids and one room for his office. I assume you share the third room. And he wants to dictate the living room decor.

I'd read that back and have a think.

Good god, this is ridiculous. Seriously, OP, why would you need to get rid of the painting at any point? I’ve been with DH for over 25 years and he still has to share a bed with the bear who was gifted by a previous boyfriend (& yes, I know, I know, but I’m very attached to him. It’s just the one.) DH knows his provenance and has never had any issue with it at all. It’s the gift that I’m attached to, not any memories or emotional connection to the giver.

Dont let him railroad you here. If you love the painting, stand your ground.

He has an office in your house?
Of course he does🙄

His office could always become your office and it hangs there.
Have you put him on your deeds?
Is he paying his share or cocklodging?
Has he given you half of what was already paid off?
I don't think having given him your spare room AND an office, he's doing badly, is he?
When someone shows you who you are, believe them. Silent treatment?
Maya would be screaming at you to run pack his bags for him
LTP
Leave. The. Picture.
Where it is.

Even though you can’t understand him couldn’t you try to meet him halfway?
Move the painting to the spare room and choose something nice together for your shared living space?

Actually that could be an interesting suggestion to make; if he's a reasonable man deep down it might just work, and if he isn't he'll probably still try to demand OP "gets rid of it"

Either way OP would find out for sure - though it rather sounds as if she might know already, what with the "no speaks" she's getting

Even if you took it down, which I wouldn't want to do, I'd keep it stored somewhere. Imagine if you break up sometime, you would be sad that you got rid of the painting.

So he's moved himself and his children into YOUR home and now is territorial 🙄.

Suggest he find his own house OP.
Don't be another foolish woman allowing a controlling twat take over her house.
MN is full of them.

Why isn't he housing HIS children?

Cheaper to move into yours no doubt🙄