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Old Masters Art

OLD MASTERS

Encompassing centuries of change in Europe between 1300 and 1800, from booms of prosperity to bloody revolutions, Old Masters describes a wide range of artists. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked during this era.

The 15th century’s expansive trade and commerce spread culture across borders. A vibrant period of art emerged, bolstered by studies of anatomy and nature that influenced a new visual realism. From Raphael and Michelangelo in the Renaissance to Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer in the Dutch Golden Age, artists expressed emotion, naturalism, color and light in new ways. El Greco and Paolo Veronese were leaders in the dramatic style of Mannerism, while Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens demonstrated the movement and meticulous detail of Baroque art.

Historically, most attention was concentrated on male artists, but recent research and exhibitions have elevated the impactful work of women such as Rachel Ruysch and Artemisia Gentileschi. In late-18th-century France, female artists like Adélaïde Labille-Guiard and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun were prominent names. Nevertheless, access to the academies and guilds was highly restricted for women, and even those able to establish practices were expected to adhere to portraits and still lifes rather than the grand history paintings being created by men.

Find a collection of Old Masters prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors and other art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Old Masters
Portrait Gentleman Armor Carbone Van Dyck Paint Oil on canvas 17th Century Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Giovanni Bernardo Carbone (Genoa, 1616 - 1683), workshop Portrait of a gentleman in armor with battle scene in the background Oil on oval canvas (117 x 105 cm. - In gilded frame 124...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Landscape Paint Oil on canvas Italy 17th Century Quality Old master Holy family
By Antonio Travi
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Antonio Travi, called Sestri (Genoa, Sestri Ponente 1608 - Genoa 1665) Landscape with ruins and biblical scene First half of the seventeenth century oil on canvas, 82 x 121 cm The beautiful painting published, which presents a vast landscape with architectural ruins, fully reflects the pictorial poetics of Antonio Travi (Sestri Ponente 1608 - Genoa 1665), the first landscape painter of the Genoese pictorial school; A poetic that remains constant throughout his career: Bernardo Strozzi...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Magnificent Chinese Pagoda - by G. Pivati - 1746-1751
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Chinese Pagoda Etchings, Hand-Watercoloured. Vol. VII, Plate XXVI Image Dim: cm 25.5 x 18; Sheet Dim: cm 37.5 x 23.8; Passepartout Dim: cm 49 x 34 Wonderful etching, han...
Category

1740s Old Masters Art

Materials

Etching

Moscovian Christening - by G. Pivati - 1746-1751
Located in Roma, IT
Moscovian Christening Etchings, Hand-Watercoloured. Vol. VIII, Plate LXXXIX Image Dim: cm 25.5 x 18; Sheet Dim: cm 37.5 x 23.8; Passepartout Dim: cm 49 x 34 Wonderful Etchings, Ha...
Category

1740s Old Masters Art

Materials

Etching

Turkish Carnival - by G. Pivati - 1746-1751
Located in Roma, IT
Turkish Carnival Etchings, Hand-Watercoloured. Tom. , Plate XVI Image Dim: cm 25.5 x 18; Sheet Dim: cm 37.5 x 23.8; Passepartout Dim: cm 49 x 34 Etching, Hand-watercoloured, show...
Category

1740s Old Masters Art

Materials

Etching

17th Century Flower Still Life, by a Follower of Daniel Seghers
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite floral still life, likely created in the late 17th century, is attributed to a follower of Daniel Seghers. The painting showcases a vivid arrangement of various flower...
Category

Late 17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oak, Oil, Wood Panel

The Crucifixion (Christ on the Cross) /// Jesus after Albrecht Dürer Old Masters
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Lambrecht Hopfer (German, Active c. 1525-1550) Title: "The Crucifixion (Christ on the Cross)" Portfolio: (after) The Engraved Passion *Issued unsigned, though monogram signed...
Category

16th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Etching, Laid Paper

Portrait of Emperor Leopold I of Habsburg, Unknown Master, 17th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Half-length portrait of Emperor Leopold I (born 1640, reigned 1658-1705) of Habsburg and later Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in armor with imperial cloak. Around his neck he wears...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Flowers Paint Oil on canvas Old master 17th Century Italy Still-life Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Master of the Grotesque Vase (active in Rome and Naples in the first quarter of the 17th century) Still life of flowers in a classic vase oil on canvas 66 x 51 cm, In frame cm. 82 x...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Annunciation Religious Paint Oil on table Tuscan School 16th Century Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Tuscan School, second half of the 16th century The Annunciation Oil on canvas 51 x 65 cm. In tabernacle frame 77 x 91 cm. We offer this refined Annunciation, to be attributed to t...
Category

16th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Lady in Red Dress on Porch c.1680, English Aristocratic Provenance
Located in London, GB
Presented by Titan Fine Art, this painting formed part of a historic collection of an English aristocratic family, Lord and Lady Sandys at their magnificent baroque and Regency Grade-I listed family home, Ombersley Court. The house was among the most fascinating survivals of its kind in this country. The atmospheric interiors were distinguished above all for the works of art associated with two key moments in national history. The collection was acquired or commissioned over five centuries and remained at Ombersley Court until its recent sale, the first in 294 years. This portrait hung in the Grand Hall. This exquisite grand manner work is an evocative example of the type of portrait in vogue during a large part of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The artist has depicted an elegant lady, three quarter length and seated on porch with a luxurious crimson swag curtain by her side. The clothing – known as “undress” at the time, consists of red silk fastened at the front and sleeves by large gold and diamond jewels over a simple white chemise. In her lap she holds a blue wrap and in her other hand, at her chest, she clutches the end of a sheer gauzy scarf that has been draped around her body with the other end a type of headdress – this type of sheer scarf was often employed by Wissing in his portraits. The classical architecture signifies cultivation and sophistication and the luxurious swag curtain is a signifier of wealth. The portrait can be dated to circa 1680 based on the sitter’s attire, the “hurluberlu” hairstyle, and other portraits by Wissing using the same formula. This oil on canvas portrait has been well cared for over its life, which spans almost 350 years. Having recently been treated to remove an obscuring discoloured varnish, the finer details and proper colour can now be fully appreciated. Once owned by Evesham Abbey, the manor of Ombersley was acquired by the Sandys family in the early 1600s, when Sir Samuel Sandys, the eldest son of Edwin Sandys, Bishop of Worcester and later Archbishop of York, took a lease on the manor, before receiving an outright grant in 1614. The present house, Ombersley Court, dates from the time of Samuel, 1st Lord Sandys, between 1723 and 1730. The house itself is a fine example of an English Georgian country house set in rolling countryside and surrounded by Wellingtonias, planted to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo by Arthur Hill, 2nd Baron Sandys, who played a distinguished part in the battle and was one of the Duke of Wellington’s aides de camp. The Duke also stayed in the house and in the Great Hall, was the Waterloo banner which was brought to the house by Sir Arthur Hill, aide-de-camp to the Duke of Wellington, who succeeded his mother, the Marchioness of Downshire as 2nd Lord Sandys. Further Waterloo memorabilia are kettle drums from battle. The family had a strong tradition of military and political service, dating back to the 17th century, and this was also reflected in the fine collection of portraits and paintings in the house. In short, Ombersley represented a vital aspect of British history. The house and more especially the collection were of the greatest historical importance. Houses that have remained in the possession of the same family for as many as three centuries have become increasingly rare. Through this portrait, collectors have a chance to acquire a piece of British history and an evocative vestige of a glittering way of life, which is now gone. Much of the attractiveness of this portrait resides in its graceful manner and the utter beauty of the youthful sitter. Presented in a beautiful carved and gilded period frame, which is a work of art in itself. Willem Wissing was a Dutch artist who enjoyed a solid artistic training at The Hague under Arnold van Ravesteyn (c.1650-1690) and Willem Dougijns (1630-1697). He came to London in 1676 and most probably joined the studio or Sir Peter Lely as an assistant that same year. After Lely’s death in 1680 he effectively took over his business and he scaled the heights of patronage with extraordinary ease, creating an independent practise in 1687, and painted for very important aristocratic patrons. King Charles II was so impressed by a portrait Wissing painted of his son, the Duke of Monmouth, in 1683 that he commissioned his own portrait and that of his Queen Catherine...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

View Venice See Giudecca Guardi 18/19th Century Paint Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Giacomo Guardi (Venice, 1764 - Venice, 1835) View of Venice with the Giudecca Canal and the Gesuati Church oil on canvas 34 x 42 cm. - framed 40 x 50 cm. Expertise dott Federica Sp...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Portrait Charles I King Van Dyck Paint 17/18th Century Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Portrait of Charles I, King of England (1600-49) Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641) Follower of Oil on canvas 93 x 86 cm - Framed 131 x 124 We are sharing a valuable wor...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

17th century By Dutch maestro Still life with bird, carp & lobster Oil on canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This painting fits well into the Dutch pictorial production of the Golden century. The composition, built on the harmonious presentation of rich wild game and fine details such as th...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Adoration Shepherds Von Achen Paint oil on canvas 17th Century Old master Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Hans (or Johann) von Achen (Cologne 1552 - Prague 1615) workshop Adoration of the Shepherds Oil on canvas 112 x 90 cm./ Framed 125 x 102 cm. The painting that we are happy to prese...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Dance Putti Van Cleve Paint Oil on table 16th Century Flemish Old master Belgium
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Cornelis van Cleve, or Van Cleef (Antwerp, 1520 - 1567) workshop Flemish School, late 16th century Dance of Putti Oil on wood panel 51 x 108 cm. - framed 67 x 124 cm. Click HERE to...
Category

16th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Antique Flemish 18th Century Oil Painting Swans Frightened by Dog in Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Swans Startled by Dog Flemish Old Master, 18th century oil on bevelled wood panel, framed framed: 14.5 x 17 inches panel: 10 x 13 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition:...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Stabled Horses
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Ferneley Jnr Stabled horses Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 20 x 24 in Framed Size - 27 x 31 in Born in about 1815 at Melton Mowbray, he was the eldest son of the important sporting artist John E Ferneley. The latters other two children, Claude Lorraine and Sarah, were also artists. He spent his early life at Elgin Lodge and his father was a major influence on his artistic development and was in all probability his sole teacher. His father took him on trips to London and in 1832 to Durham and York where the younger Ferneley later settled in about 1839, probably because of the large number of patrons in the area. His first work, of a Whipping-in, was engraved and published in the New Sporting Magazine in May 1833 and was followed in the next year by an engraving of a Hunter. John E Ferneley had established a significant career as an equestrian artist in the old English tradition largely due to being a pupil of Ben...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

large 18th century portrait gentleman oil on canvas
Located in York, GB
A fine, imposing 18th century portrait of an unknown aristocrat,housed in a gilt frame The artist is also unidentified but certainly a talented hand, in the circle of one of the fine old masters of the period The size overall is 148 x 121 cm whilst the painting is 128 x 101 cm In overall good condition the frame at the bottom has bowed slightly The painting has been checked whilst being cleaned and has not been affected in any way . SHIPPING Free delivery to mainland uk ,worldwide shipping available please email for quote Delivery usually within 14 working days, insured please provide telephone/email details for courier. All taxes/customs etc to be paid for by purchaser. RETURNS (The Consumer Contracts Regulations) Whilst we are sure that you will be extremely happy with your purchase, if for any reason you are not, then you are entitled to return the item to us for a refund. For all purchases made you are entitled to return the item(s) for a period of up to 14 days following receipt by you or a representative indicated by you. Please contact us to confirm that you are returning the item(s) and the reason for doing so. Upon receipt of the item(s) we will refund the purchase price via your original payment method...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

"Moor Tower" and "Kirkham Priory" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// Architecture UK
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Moor Tower" (Plate 173) and "Kirkham Priory" (Plate 328) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Venerable R...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

"St. Martin's Abbey" and "Lady's Chappel" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// British
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "St. Martin's Abbey" (Plate 333) and "Lady's Chappel" (Plate 331) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Venerable Remains of Above 400 Castles, Monasteries, Palaces in England and Wales Year: 1726-1739 Medium: Set of Two Original Engravings on watermarked laid paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: Unknown Publisher: Robert Sayer, London, UK Reference: Lowndes page 303-304; Upcott page 33 Sheet size (each): approx. 11.13" x 18.25" Image size (platemark) (each): approx. 7.5" x 14.5" Condition: "St. Martin's Abbey" has a minor crease to upper left corner and repaired edge wear to lower right corner. "Lady's Chappel" has faint toning to sheet and minor soiling in margins. They are both otherwise strong impressions in excellent condition Notes: Comes from Samuel and Nathaniel Buck's three volume portfolio "Buck's Antiquities" or "Venerable Remains of Above 400 Castles, Monasteries, Palaces in England and Wales" (1726-1739), which consists of 428 engravings. Both "St. Martin's Abbey" and "Lady's Chappel" have unidentified watermarks in the center of their sheets. They both also have "Liverpool Free Public Library" chop mark/blind stamps at bottom center of their sheets. Old price pencil inscribed in margins. Saint Martin's Abbey is a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine monks who follow the Rule of St Benedict...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

"Conisborough Castle" and "Morlashe Castle" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// UK Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Conisborough Castle" (Plate 323) and "Morlashe Castle" (Plat...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

Set of Two Hand-Colored Ornithological Engravings by George Edwards /// Bird Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: George Edwards (English, 1694-1773) Title: "Set of Two Hand-Colored Ornithological Engravings by George Edwards" Portfolio: A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, and of Some Other Rare and Undescribed Animals / Gleanings Of Natural History Year: 1743-1764 Medium: Set of Two Original Hand-Colored Engravings on watermarked laid and wove papers Limited edition: Unknown Printer: C. Rickaby, London, UK Publisher: William Gardiner and Messrs. Robinson, London, UK Reference: Mullens and Swann page 194-195; Anker No. 124-126; Fine Bird Books page 93; Lisney page 128-144; Nissen IVB No. 286-288; Zimmer page 192-198 Sheet size (each): approx. 11.25" x 9" Image size (each): approx. 8.63" x 7.38" Condition: "90" has faint offsetting to sheet. "308" has one foxmark center right. They are both otherwise in excellent condition with strong colors Notes: Comes from Edwards seven volume portfolio "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, and of Some Other Rare and Undescribed Animals" / "Gleanings Of Natural History" (1743-1764), which consists of 362 hand-colored engravings. "90" is on laid paper with a "fleur-de-lis" watermark at center left edge. "308" is on wove paper with no watermark. The last image of the cover title sheets is for reference/provenance; it is not included. Biography: George Edwards FRS (3 April 1694 – 23 July 1773) was an English naturalist and ornithologist, known as the "father of British ornithology". Edwards was born at West Ham...
Category

1740s Old Masters Art

Materials

Intaglio, Engraving, Laid Paper, Watercolor

Set of Two Hand-Colored Ornithological Engravings by George Edwards /// Bird Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: George Edwards (English, 1694-1773) Title: "Set of Two Hand-Colored Ornithological Engravings by George Edwards" Portfolio: A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, and of Some O...
Category

1740s Old Masters Art

Materials

Intaglio, Engraving, Laid Paper, Watercolor

"Cockersand Abbey" and "Sandal Castle" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// British Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Cockersand Abbey" (Plate 148) and "Sandal Castle" (Plate 340...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

"Louth Park Abbey" and "Easby Abbey" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// Architecture
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Louth Park Abbey" (Plate 172) and "Easby Abbey" (Plate 324) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Venerabl...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

"Knaresborough Castle" and "Sawley Abbey" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// British
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Knaresborough Castle" (Plate 330) and "Sawley Abbey" (Plate ...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

"Oakham Castle" and "Nottingham Park/Castle" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// UK
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Oakham Castle" (Plate 242) and "Nottingham Park/Castle" (Plate 226) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or ...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

"Pendragon Castle" and "Lincoln Castle" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// British UK
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Pendragon Castle" (Plate 312) and "Lincoln Castle" (Plate 170) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Vener...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

"Torksey Hall" and "Newark Castle" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// Architecture UK
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Torksey Hall" (Plate 179) and "Newark Castle" (Plate 226) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Venerable ...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio

Set of Four Color Engravings from "Herbier de la France" by Pierre Bulliard
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Pierre Bulliard (French, 1742-1793) Title: "La Gratiole Officinale (Grace of God)", "La Digitale Jaune (Yellow Foxglove)", "La Renoncule Acre (Acre Buttercup)", and "La Cheli...
Category

1780s Old Masters Art

Materials

Intaglio, Engraving, Laid Paper

Set of Three Color Engravings from "Herbier de la France" by Pierre Bulliard
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Pierre Bulliard (French, 1742-1793) Title: "Le Pied de Griffon (Griffin's Foot)", "La Laureole (The Laurel)", and "Le Cabaret d'Europe (The European Cabaret)" Portfolio: Herb...
Category

1780s Old Masters Art

Materials

Intaglio, Engraving, Laid Paper

Portrait of Sir Edward Littleton, First Baron Lyttleton, Old Masters Oil
Located in London, GB
After Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) Portrait of Sir Edward Lord Littleton, First Baron Lyttleton (1589-1645) Oil on canvas Image size: 96 by 76 cm Hand carved auricular frame Sir Edward Littleton was Solicitor-General to Charles I, 1634-40; Chief Justice of Common Pleas, January 1640-January 1641; Lord Keeper, 1641-45. Painted in his robes, and wearing the chain of office...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

17th Century by Felice Torelli Hagar and the Angel Oil on Canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Felice Torelli (Verona 1667 - Bologna 1748) Hagar and the Angel Oil on canvas, 41 x 116 cm without frame - 52,5 x 127 cm with frame Original shaped and ...
Category

Late 17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil

Fine 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Military Encampment Figures on Horseback
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Military Encampment Dutch School, 17th century circle of Philips Wouwermans (Dutch 1619-1668) oil painting on canvas, in 18th century gilt frame canvas measures: 19.5 x 17 inches...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Toeletta Albani Mythological Paint Oil on canvas 17th Century Old master Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
The Toilet of Venus Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660), workshop of oil on canvas 62 x 76 cm. - framed 70 x 84 cm. (period frame) The proposed painting, depicting the Toeletta ...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Italian Landscape With Figures at a Waterfall by a Follower of Jan van Huysum
Located in Stockholm, SE
There are so many details to fall in love with in this 18th-century painting depicting an Italianate landscape, for example, the delicately painted figures having a conversation and ...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Saint Cecilia Concert Angels Seghers Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Flemish
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Gerard Seghers (Antwerp, 1591 - 1651) workshop Saint Cecilia and the Concert of Angels Oil on canvas 98 x 120 cm. - Framed 113 x 137 cm. This evocative painting, which we are please...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Lady in an Elaborate Ruff & Lace Coif c.1610-20, Dutch Old Master
Located in London, GB
This magnificent oil on panel portrait, presented by Titan Fine Art, is a splendid example of the sumptuous female portraits that were painted for members of the upper echelons of society during the early part of the 1600’s. The artist has rendered this portrait with meticulous attention to detail and the surface effects of the fine materials. The elaborate lace coif and cuffs are painstakingly delineated, as is the bold black damask, and sumptuous gold decoration of her skirt and stomacher, which is wonderfully preserved and quite remarkable considering the age of the work and the fact that darker pigments are particularly vulnerable to fading and wear. This work with its spectacular depiction of costume is of absolute quality, it can be rated as one of the best works in the artist’s oeuvre and as such it is an important and splendid example of Dutch portraiture. The Dutch Golden Age of painting was a period in Dutch history, roughly spanning the 17th century, in which Dutch trade, science, military, and art were among the most acclaimed in the world. Dutch explorers charted new territory and settled abroad. Trade by the Dutch East-India Company thrived, and war heroes from the naval battles were decorated and became national heroes. During this time, The Dutch Old Masters began to prevail in the art world, creating a depth of realistic portraits of people and life in the area that has hardly been surpassed. The Golden Age painters depicted the scenes that their discerning new middleclass patrons wanted to see. This new wealth from merchant activities and exploration combined with a lack of church patronage, shifted art subjects away from biblical genres. Dress was a key component in portraits, and the exuberant attire reiterates the incredible wealth of this woman. The sitter will have visited the artist’s workshop and inspected examples on display. They would have chosen the size and the sort of composition and on that basis negotiated the price – which would have also been determined by the complexity of the clothing and the jewels that were to be depicted, and by the materials to be used. When all was considered, this portrait would have cost the sitter (or her husband) a substantial sum. The colour black was regarded as humble and devout yet at the same time refined and sophisticated and the most expensive colour of fabric to dye and to maintain. Citizens spent fortunes on beautiful black robes. Such uniformity must also have had a psychological side-effect and contributed to a sense of middle-class cohesion; the collective black of the well-to-do burgess class will have given its members a sense of solidarity. The colour was always an exciting one for artists and when this portrait was painted there were at least fifty shades of it, and as many different fabrics and accoutrements. Artists went to great lengths to depict the subtle nuances of the colour and the fabrics and textures and how they reflected light and it was an ideal background against which gold and crisp white lace could be juxtaposed to dramatic effect. The sitter is either a married women or a widower as is evident by the clothing that she wears and the position, toward her right, it is highly likely that this portrait was once a pendant that hung on the right-hand side of her husband’s portrait as was convention at the time. She wears a vlieger which was a type of sleeveless over-gown or cape worn by well-to-do married women in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Variations with short sleeves or high shoulder rolls are known. Sometimes sleeves were attached with aiglets, and often slits were made to allow belts or the hands to pass through. Three-piece vlieger costumes of this kind were standard items of clothing in portraits of the women of the civic elite in the period 1600-40 and was a variant of the Spanish ‘ropa’ and served as a trademark of well-to-do married burgher women. Girls and unmarried woman, including beguines, wore a bouwen (a dress with a fitted bodice and a skirt that was closed all round) instead. This clear distinction between apparel for married and unmarried women is clear not only from inventories and trousseau lists, but also from contemporary sources such as the Dutch Spanish dictionary published by Juan Rodrigues in 1634. In it, a bouwen is described as a ‘ropa de donzella’ (over-gown worn by a virgin) and a vlieger as a ‘ropa de casada’ (overgown worn by a married woman). It is striking how few women are depicted wearing a bouwen, unless they are part of a group, family or children’s portrait and it can therefore be assumed that independent portraits of unmarried women were seldom commissioned. It is also believed that the clothing worn in these portraits existed and were faithfully reproduced when cross-referenced with the few exact documents. These sources also demonstrate that clients wanted their clothing to be depicted accurately and with this in mind precious garments and jewels were often left in the painter’s studio. The prominent white lawn molensteenkraag (or millstone ruff) is held up by a wire supportasse and was reserved only for the citizens that could afford this luxurious item that often required 15 meters of linen batiste. The fabulous wealth of this sitter is also evident by the elaborate lace coif and cuffs which have been exquisitely depicted; lace was often literally copied by artists in thin white lines over the completed clothing. The gold bracelet with jewels is a type that was evidently fashionable as it is seen in a number of portraits during the 1610s and 1620. Clothing and jewellery were prized possessions and were often listed in inventories of estates and passed down from generation to generation. There were a great number of jewellers of Flemish origin working at all the courts and cities of Europe, competing with the Italians, and then the French, adapting themselves to the tastes and positions of their patrons and the raw materials available in the country where they worked. The fashion for jewels “in the Flemish style” succeeded that of the Italian style. Cornelis van der Voort, who was probably born in Antwerp around 1576, came to Amsterdam with his parents as a child. His father, a cloth weaver by trade, received his citizenship in 1592. It is not known who taught the young Van der Voort to paint, but it has been suggested that it was either Aert Pietersz or Cornelis Ketel. On 24 October 1598 Van der Voort became betrothed to Truytgen Willemsdr. After his first wife’s death he became betrothed to Cornelia Brouwer of Dordrecht in 1613. In addition to being an artist, Van der Voort was an art collector or dealer, or both. In 1607 he bought paintings from the estate of Gillis van Coninxloo, and after an earlier sale in 1610 a large number of works he owned were auctioned on 7 April 1614. Van der Voort is documented as appraising paintings in 1612, 1620 and 1624. In 1615 and 1619 he was warden of the Guild of St Luke. He was buried in Amsterdam’s Zuiderkerk on 2 November 1624, and on 13 May 1625 paintings in his estate were sold at auction. Van der Voort was one of Amsterdam’s leading portrait painters in the first quarter of the 17th century. Several of his group portraits are known. It is believed that he trained Thomas de Keyser (1596/97-1667) and Nicolaes Eliasz Pickenoy (1588-1650/56). His documented pupils were David Bailly (c. 1584/86-1657), Louis du Pré...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Fine 18th Century British Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady, Large oil painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Circle of Thomas Hudson (1701-1779) British. 18th Century Bust Portrait of a Lady, Oil on Canvas, Inscribed on a label verso, canvas: 30" x 25" (76.2 x 63.5cm). frame: 30 x 25 in...
Category

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Original Study of Rembrandt’s Portrait of an Old Woman
Located in Soquel, CA
Early 20th Century Study of Rembrandt’s Portrait of Old Woman Russian for Niello Engraving A wonderful study of Rembrandt’s portrait of an Old Woman used for Niello engraving by Ru...
Category

Early 20th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Ink, Paper

La distribution des récompenses - Etching by Jacques Callot - 1633
Located in Roma, IT
Signed on plate “Callot fecit, Frad excudit” lower right. Very good condition except some light discoloration. Wonderful artist proof, on antique laid paper. Second state of three, d...
Category

1630s Old Masters Art

Materials

Etching

VENICE - In the Manner of Canaletto -Italian Landscape Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Napoli, IT
Venice - Mario De Angeli - Italia 2006 - Oil on canvas cm. 70x90. Mario De Angeli's canvas is an extraordinary work of Italian landscape painting. They are inspired by the landscap...
Category

Early 2000s Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mary Magdalene - Faith transforms inner into outer beauty and conquers death -
Located in Berlin, DE
Balthasar Denner (1685 Hamburg - 1749 Rostock). Mary Magdalene. Oil on copper, 37 × 32 cm (visible size), 45 x 40 cm (frame), signed and indistinctly dated "Denner 17(...)" at centre...
Category

1720s Old Masters Art

Materials

Copper

Italian 18th Century Oil Painting Portrait of a Merchant
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
A Venetian Gentleman 18th Century Venetian School oil painting on board, framed framed: 7.25 x 6 inches board: 5.25 x 4 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: sound bu...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

18th century Portrait of a lady as Erato, the muse of poetry - Angelica Kauffman
By Angelica Kauffmann
Located in Antwerp, BE
18th century English school portrait of a lady, said to be Mrs. John Ruscombe of Colne, Lancaster, as the muse Erato This very skilfully painted portrait depicts a lady as the muse Erato, playing the Lyre. Her eyes are filled with emotion and her lips are curved in a soft, delightful smile. Hinting at the love song she is composing? Erato is one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology. She is the muse of lyric poetry, love poetry, and mimicry. Erato is often depicted holding a lyre, symbolizing her association with music and poetry. She inspires poets and writers to create works that celebrate love, beauty, and human emotions. Our painting was sold in the early 1900s as a work by Angelica Kauffman. Kauffman was an 18th-century Swiss Neoclassical painter who achieved significant success and recognition in a male-dominated art world. Born in Switzerland in 1741, she showed exceptional talent from a young age and received formal art training in Italy. Kauffman gained fame for her historical and mythological paintings, as well as her portraits, which were characterized by their grace, elegance, and classical influences. She was a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London and enjoyed patronage from aristocrats and royalty throughout Europe. Kauffman's work contributed to the rise of Neoclassicism and she remains one of the most prominent female artists of her time. Measurements: Oil on canvas ca. 98 by 77cm and with the frame ca. 118 by 97 cm Provenance: Collection of Felix Gouled American Art Association, Anderson Galleries, by 1937 Kende Galleries at Gimbel Brothers, Jay Gould...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine Italian Old Master Oil Painting Angel & Saints Appearing to Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Italian Old Master, 18th century Title: Angel and Saints appearing to figures, one dressed in a white ruff collar. Medium: oil on canvas...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Shipping in choppy waters of a coastline
By Thomas Buttersworth
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Thomas Buttersworth (1768-1842) Shipping in choppy coastal waters signed and dated lower left Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 9 x 12 1/2 in Framed Size - 13 x 16 1/2 Immerse yourself in...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

18th century French Old Master Portrait of a Noble Man
By Joseph Vivien
Located in Antwerp, BE
Captivating French old master portrait of a gentleman around 1710-1720, attributed to Joseph Vivien The painter has wonderfully captured the character and spirit of the gentleman, i...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Saint Michael Archangel Reni 17th Century Paint Oil on canvas Old master Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Guido Reni (1575 - 1642) workshop of Saint Michael Archangel Oil on canvas Dimensions (cm): 137 x 99 In antique frame 157 x 119 Provenance: Roman Collection We are sharing a work...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Fine 18th Century Italian Oil Painting Dead Game with Still Life Flowers
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Dead Game Still Life with Still Life of Flowers French partridges and hare. Italian artist, 18th century oil on canvas, framed in Rococo period scrolled frame framed: 24 x 38 inches ...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Still Life Crystal Goblet Van Ravesteyn Paint 17/18th Century Oil on canvas Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Still life with a crystal goblet and a painted ceramic jug Hubert van Ravesteyn (Dordrecht 1638-1683) workshop/cerchia Flemish painter, mid 17th century Oil on canvas 59 x 74 cm. -...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a French nobleman early 18th century French school
By Jean-Baptiste Oudry
Located in PARIS, FR
Portrait of Monsieur de la Roche, lord of Pertheville Attributed to Jean Baptiste Oudry (1686-1755) Early 18th century French School, around 1710 Oil on canvas: h. 80 cm, w. 63 cm (3...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Great Speckled Diver (Great Speckled Loon) /// Thomas Pennant Ornithology
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Thomas Pennant (Welsh, 1726-1798) Title: "The Great Speckled Diver (Great Speckled Loon)" (Plate K*) Portfolio: The British Zoology, Class II: Birds Year: 1761-1766 (First ed...
Category

1760s Old Masters Art

Materials

Engraving, Laid Paper, Watercolor

The Royston Crow (Hooded Crow) /// Thomas Pennant Ornithology Bird Animal Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Thomas Pennant (Welsh, 1726-1798) Title: "The Royston Crow (Hooded Crow)" (Plate D1) Portfolio: The British Zoology, Class II: Birds Year: 1761-1766 (First edition) Medium: O...
Category

1760s Old Masters Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving, Watercolor

Fine 18th Century Italian Oil Painting Exotic Birds with Still Life Fruit
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Exotic Birds with Still Life of Abundant Fruit Italian artist, 18th century oil on canvas, framed in Rococo period scrolled frame framed: 24 x 38 inches canvas: 22 x 35 inches proven...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil

17th century Jan Wildens - Countryside landscape - Rubens Flemish Old Master
Located in Antwerp, BE
17th century Flemish old master painting depicting a peaceful countryside scenery attributed to Jan Wildens Panel mark verso. The personal mark consists of a six-pointed star and is...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Huge 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Painting Portrait of Noble Lady & Dog
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Noble Lady with her dog attributed to Abraham Lambertsz. van den Tempel, Dutch 1622 - 1672 *see notes below oil on canvas, in very fine quality Regency gilt frame canv...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Old Masters art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Old Masters art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of orange, yellow, blue and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Charles Amand Durand, Giuseppe Vasi, Thomas Holloway, and Vincenzo Campana. Frequently made by artists working with Etching, and Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Old Masters art, so small editions measuring 0.4 inches across are also available. Prices for art made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11 and tops out at $1,495,000, while the average work sells for $546.

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