Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is considered an old master painting?

1 Answer
What is considered an old master painting?
A painting produced by a skilled, noteworthy European artist that was produced before the 19th century may be considered an Old Master painting. 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 in Europe between 1300 and 1800. Some artists considered Old Masters include William Blake, Caravaggio, Jacques-Louis David, Frans Hals, Francisco Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Titian and Jan Vermeer. On 1stDibs, find a variety of paintings from some of the world’s top galleries.
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
The Penitent Mary Magdalene - Old Master religious art portrait oil painting
By Guido Reni
Located in Hagley, England
This is a superb Italian Old Master portrait oil painting attributed to circle of Guido Reni.
Category

17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Joseph interpreting Dreams - Italian Old Master 17thC religious art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This lovely 17th century Old Master religious oil painting is from the Italian School.
Category

17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Madonna and Child- Italian Old Master religious art portrait oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This superb Italian Old Master religious portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Bartolomeo Schedoni.
Category

Early 1700s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of Saint Jerome - Italian Old Master c1620 religious art oil painting
By Guido Reni
Located in Hagley, England
This superb Italian religious Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to follower of Guido Reni.
Category

Early 17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Madonna and Child - Italian 17th century religious Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This beautiful Italian religious Old Master oil painting is attributed to circle of Massimo Stanzione.
Category

17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of Madonna at Prayer - Italian Old Master art religious oil painting
By Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato
Located in Hagley, England
This rather special Italian Old Master religious portrait oil painting is attributed to a follower of Giovanni Battista Salvi, or Sassoferrato as he is better known.
Category

1790s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Shop All