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Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

ACADEMIC STYLE

During the Renaissance, the first European fine art academies were established in Italy and would guide the style and standards of visual culture in the following centuries. Academic art became dominant across the continent in the 17th century, with artists coming together to offer instruction in this style of painting and sculpture

The academic art period represented a significant change from the previous era when painters, sculptors and other artists were part of guilds and seen more as artisans than purveyors of culture. While patronage from the elite and the church remained pivotal, young artists were able to support themselves for the first time through academic exhibitions and an independent marketplace. The leading academies included the French Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture founded in Paris in 1648 (which became the Académie des Beaux-Arts after the French Revolution) and the London Royal Academy of Arts formed in 1768 under the inaugural leadership of painter Joshua Reynolds

Academy students sketched drawings based on prints, sculptures and, finally, live models. Movements including neoclassicism and romanticism were particularly popular in these art schools and institutions where the influence of Raphael and Nicolas Poussin was prominent. Beaux Arts architecture and furniture design drew on these movements, too, and, as they also originated at the Académie des Beaux-Arts, the disciplines share common ground with academic painting and sculpture.

Although academic art was a major shift for artistic status when it began, by the middle of the 19th century it was viewed as stodgy and resistant to new ideas, with the subject matter of artists such as William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Jean-Léon Gérôme generally limited to allegorical or mythological themes. Impressionism, realism and the other movements that engaged with contemporary issues that followed were direct reactions to the academic tradition, although it continued to inform the avant-garde as artists like Gustav Klimt and Pablo Picasso started their practices as academic realists.  

Find a collection of academic paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs. 

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Style: Academic
“Afternoon Stroll”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor of a hunter and his dog taking a late afternoon stroll in the countryside. Signed middle bottom and dated 1852 or 1853 J. Hamilto...
Category

1850s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor

Early 20th Century French crayon drawing of a group of young people
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Edmund Dulac (French, 1882 – 1953) A welcome refreshment Black crayon with a touch of white chalk Signed ‘E Dulac’ (upper right) 8.7/8 x 11 in. (22.5 x 28...
Category

20th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Paper, Crayon

'Ballerina in Repose #2, ' by James Cobb, Charcoal and Conte Drawing, 2021
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed 13.5" x 13.5" charcoal and conte drawing by artist James Cobb captures a ballerina in a seated, relaxed pose. The work is on toned gray drawing...
Category

2010s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Conté, Charcoal

Persephone, 19th Century Classical French Academy Drawing
Located in Cotignac, FR
19th Century French Academy drawing of a classical maiden, signed Xavier Rendeley bottom right, numbered and dated 2nd April 1883. Presented in ...
Category

1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Chalk, Pencil

Drawing of Putti with Anchor by Jean-Jacques le Barbier l'Ainé (1738-1826)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Drawing of Putti with Anchor Jean-Jacques le Barbier l'Ainé (1738-1826) Black pencil on paper Signed and dated lower left "...1822. 12 years l waiting" Considering that the anchor ...
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1820s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pencil

19th Century drawing attributed to John Flaxman of a classical maiden
By John Flaxman
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Attributed to John Flaxman (British, 1755- 1826) Study of a classical maiden Pen and ink on paper 5.1/2 x 3.1/8 in. (14 x 8 cm.)
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19th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Paper, Pen

18th Century Italian head study of a Roman maiden
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Attributed to Giovanni Battista Cipriani (Italian, 1727 – 1785) A head study of a Roman maiden Sanguine, pencil and pastel on paper 7.1/2 x 5.7/8 in. (19 x 14.8 cm.)
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18th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel, Paper, Pencil

Sketch of women and infant by P.E Vibert - Drawing 41x29 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper
Category

1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Watercolor

Sexy Gag Cartoon E. Simms Campbell first African American Cartoonist - Black Art
Located in Miami, FL
Elmer Simms Campbell was a brilliant illustrator and cartoon artist and was also the first African American cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in major newsstand magazines such a...
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1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Board, Casein

The Swiss by Otto Vautier - Drawing 31x24 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on canvas
Category

1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon, Watercolor

La femme préhistorique (Prehistoric Woman)
Located in New Orleans, LA
James Tissot was among the most successful and critically acclaimed artists of the Victorian era. Although the artist is celebrated for his elegant scenes of fashionable life in Paris and London, this work is a fascinating rarity within his oeuvre. In this monumental pastel, Tissot depicts a prehistoric woman draped in a tiger skin, presented with a striking pose and heroic air. His delicate portraiture, combined with his fascination with conveying texture, demonstrates why he was one of the most revered artists of his generation, and La femme préhistorique illustrates the remarkable technique for which he was renowned. This work was completed in preparation for a series of works exploring the Old Testament undertaken by Tissot from 1899-1902 that remained unfinished at the time of his death. A portion of this series focused on illustrations of Adam and Eve, and among these sketches were images of a nude Eve partially draped in animal furs. Towards the end of his life, following his conversion to Catholicism, biblical subjects became important to the artist. A few years before this work was completed, Tissot embarked upon a highly ambitious group of nearly 300 watercolors illustrating the New Testament, presenting the illustrated epic in its entirety at the Paris Salon of 1894. Both of these series were a critical artistic departure for the artist, stemming from a desire to create works separated from his typical images of modern society. This pastel imagines Eve as the prototype of womanhood in the guise of a prehistoric woman. Tissot rarely painted the nude, and his skill as a draftsman highlights the figure's natural beauty, contrasting it with the stark landscape surrounding her. Although a study, this monumental work is incredibly well-finished and highly engaging, with the statuesque model commanding the majority of the canvas. Her pose is strong and theatrical, and she addresses the viewer with a direct, confident gaze. The imagined historical subject of this drawing is grounded by Tissot’s exceptional attention to detail. A master of conjuring an array of textures, Tissot showcased this ability in this work by juxtaposing many types of fabrics and natural elements within one composition. The tiger skin with which the woman partially covers herself was a favorite studio prop of Tissot’s, appearing in many of his most influential works from the period, including several paintings of his partner and favorite model Kathleen Newton. It, in particular, showcases the artist’s understanding of texture, yet it also serves as an exotic element that elevates the sensuality of the scene when placed against the woman’s bare skin. Born in 1836 in the port town of Nantes, Tissot traveled to Paris at the age of 20 in order to join the studios of Hippolyte Flandrin and Louis Lamothe. During this period, he became close with James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet, and the impact of these friendships is reflected in his portraits of modern life. Having enjoyed considerable success in Paris during the 1860s, Tissot fought in the Siege of Paris, and after the fall of the Commune in 1871, he went to London, where he stayed for the next ten years. He was met with incredible success there, and he also met the love of his life, Kathleen Newton, a divorcée, with whom he lived from about 1876 until her death in 1882. Today he is regarded among the great masters of Belle Époque painting, and his works can be found in important collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the Musée d’Orsay, the Tate Gallery and many others. This pastel remained in Tissot's private collection until his death in 1902 and is referenced in the posthumous 1902-3 valuation of Tissot's home at 64 avenue du Bois...
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Early 20th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Laid Paper, Canvas, Oil Pastel, Pastel

"Take off" by Otto Vautier - Pencil on paper 11x17 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Stamp of the O. Vautier workshop Dimension of the passe partout frame 52.5 x 38 cm
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Early 19th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon

"Young woman in evening dress" by Emile Hornung - Drawing 43x57 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Sketch of Pierrot tuning his guitar on the back of the artwork
Category

1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon, Graphite

Nude Sketch #2
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A rare work on paper by Ben Fenske. A sketch of a female nude, posing. Drawn from direct observation using a live model. White chalk is used to create highlights. Not framed. Wrapped...
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Early 2000s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

British, early 20th Century oriental scene by female artist Katie Blackmore
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Katie Blackmore (British, 1890 – 1957) Oriental fantasy Ink and gouache on paper Signed ‘K Blackmore’ (lower right) 9 x 8.3/8in. (22.8 x 21.2 cm.) A Scottish figurative and decorative artist, Katie Blackmore was closely associated with both Jessie Marion King...
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20th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Paper, Gouache

Pensive young woman by Emile Hornung - Pastel on paper 37x29 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Sketch on the back of the work
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1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

Louis Charles Auguste Couder (1789-1873) Portrait of a young man, signed pastel
Located in Paris, FR
Louis Charles Auguste Couder (1789-1873) Portrait of a young man signed on the right border Pastel on paper 28.5 x 21 cm In good condition In a modern frame : 48 x 40.5 cm Augu...
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1860s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel

Dance school by Benjamin II Vautier - Drawing 33x46 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Golden wooden frame with glass pane 49,5 x 63 x 2 cm
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Mid-20th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil

“British Pub”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of interior crowded pub scene by the British artist, George Anderson Short. Signed lower left and date...
Category

1930s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

Edouard Detaille (1848 1912), Three studies of horses, original signed Drawing
Located in Paris, FR
Edouard Detaille (1848-1912) Three studies of horses 16 x 10 cm Pen and ink on paper Signed lower left The third study on the lower right has been ...
Category

1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

ACADEMIC MALE NUDE FIGURE STUDIES
Located in Portland, ME
Michallet (attributed). ACADEMIC MALE NUDE FIGURE STUDIES. Four Charcoal drawings, each on heavy wove paper, 19th Century. 24 1/2 x 19 1/8 inches (s...
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Mid-19th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal

George Frederic Watts 'Get thee beyond me, Satan', 19th Century British drawing
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
George Frederic Watts OM RA (British, 1817 – 1904) Get thee beyond me, Satan red chalk on paper 10.5/8 x 8.1/2 in. (27 x 21.5 cm.) Provenance: From the...
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19th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Paper

Isidore Pils (1813-1875) An Orientalist scene, signed watercolor
Located in Paris, FR
Isidore Pils (1813-1875) An Orientalist scene Signed lower left Pencil and heightenings of watercolor on paper ​​​​​​​15 x 24 cm paper yellowed by time, stains and a small repaired tear on the upper right edge. In a modern mount 40.5 x 53 cm Isidore-Alexandre-Augustin Pils (1815–1875) was a French academic painter of religious and military subjects. Pils was born in Paris as the son of a soldier François Pils. At the age of twelve, he studied with Guillaume Guillon-Lethière for four years. In 1831 he became a student at the École des Beaux-Arts and studied under François-Édouard Picot. He competed for the Prix de Rome, which he won in 1838 for a history painting, St. Peter Healing a Lame Man at the Door of the Temple. Although in poor health, Pils then spent the customary three years at the French Academy in Rome at the Villa Medici, which then had Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres as its director. While in Italy he visited Naples, Venice, and Florence. Pils's earlier paintings have religious themes. In 1849 he completed his most famous work, Rouget de L'Isle Singing La Marseillaise, which now resides at the Musée historique de Strasbourg. After experiences travelling with French troops through the Crimea, his themes took on military and nationalistic subjects. He later produced many military scenes during the siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Pils was appointed professor of painting at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1863 but left the same year for two years in Algeria. In 1868 he was elected to seat #14 of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Among his students were Adrien Moreau...
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1870s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

“After the Hunt”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of interior pub scene by the British artist, George Anderson Short. Signed bottom left. Circa 1940. ...
Category

1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

1980 Fauno e Ninfa Faun and Nymph Pencil on Paper Figurative Drawing
Located in Brescia, IT
This delicate drawing of the dance between a Faun and the Nimph, looks following the Jean Cocteau clean line drawings. We can see in this scene, the grace and simplicity of the Neoc...
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1980s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper

Fernand de Launay (1855-1904) Portrait of a child, 1890, original drawing
By Fernand de Launay
Located in Paris, FR
Fernand de Launay (1838-1904) Portrait of a child, probably the daughter of the artist Lead pencil on paper Signed and dated "4 septembre 1890" on the lower left 27 x 21 cm In quite ...
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1890s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Carbon Pencil

“Seaside Italian Villa”
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautiful, original watercolor on archival paper of an Italian seaside villa with figures. Executed in 1902 by the American artist, George Washington Nicholson...
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Early 1900s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor

Edouard Detaille (1848 1912), The Young Paperboy, signed watercolor
Located in Paris, FR
Edouard Detaille (1848-1912) The Young Paperboy 16.5 x 20.5 cm Watercolor and brown ink on paper Signed lower right In good condition, the paper is slightly yellowed by time, some o...
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1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Ink

“The Hunter”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of a solitary hunter in the field by the British artist, George Anderson Short. Signed bottom right. ...
Category

1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

“Tavern Life”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of a lively tavern scene. Signed lower right and dated 1942 by the British artist, George Anderson Short...
Category

1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Graphite, Watercolor

“British Pub 2”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of interior crowded pub scene by the British artist, George Anderson Short. Signed top left and dated ...
Category

1930s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

1850 American school, Franklin being piloted to Boston, watercolour on paper
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
American school, circa 1850 ‘The American steamer Franklin being piloted to Boston’ Pencil and watercolour and body colour Inscribed ‘Franklin’ on the sail 6.1/4 x 9.1/2 in. (16 x 24...
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19th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Watercolor

“The Hunters”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of two hunters in the field by the British artist, George Anderson Short. Signed bottom right. Circa ...
Category

1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

Attributed to Eugène Lami (1800-1890) A Maid feeding rabbits, Watercolor
By Eugène Louis Lami
Located in Paris, FR
Attributed to Eugène Lami (1800-1890) A maid feeding rabbits Watercolor on paper Bears a monogramm E L on the lower right 12.5 x 12.5 cm In good condition, some foxings in the uppe...
Category

1860s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

“Bringing Home the Game”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of a hunter bring home the fresh game by the British artist, George Anderson Short. Signed top right. ...
Category

1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

“Tavern Meeting”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings of interior crowded pub scene by the British artist, George Anderson Short. Signed bottom left. Circa...
Category

1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

A 1930s drawing of a young girl in a blustery windy day with autumn leaves
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Elsa Carlander (British, circa 1930) An autumn gust Watercolour and pencil on paper Signed and inscribed ‘Best wishes from Elsa Carlander’ (lower right) 6.5/8 x 5.7/8 in. (16.8 x 15 ...
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1930s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Pencil, Paper

British turn of the 20th century ink drawing of an allegory of time
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Sidney Herbert Sime (British, 1867 – 1941) An allegory of lost Time Ink on paper Signed ‘S. H. SIME.’ (lower right) 6.5/8 x 5.7/8 in. (17 x 14.5 cm.) Sidney Sime...
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Early 20th Century Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Paper

Self Portrait Sketch
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An early work on paper, by American Impressionist painter, Ben Fenske. It's rare to see a drawing like this from Fenske, especially of a self portrait. Fenske uses classical draftin...
Category

Early 2000s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté

Edouard Detaille (1848 1912), A trophy of arms, original signed Drawing
Located in Paris, FR
Edouard Detaille (1848-1912) A trophy of arms 11.5 x 20 cm Pen and ink with heightenings of white gouache on paper Signed and dated 1885 lower right and annotated "Armée française...
Category

1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

“Villagers”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor with graphite tracings by the well known German artist, Peter Von Halm. Signed in pencil lower right. Condition is good. Several tiny foxing spots with small areas of mild wrinkles on the outer corners. Matted but not framed. He was the son of an innkeeper and brewer. Initially, he wanted to become an architect and, in pursuit of that goal, attended the Technische Universität Darmstadt. After 1875, he studied copper engraving with Johann Leonhard Raab and general art subjects with Ludwig von Löfftz, at the Munich Academy. From 1883 to 1885, he lived in Berlin at the invitation of his friend, Karl Stauffer-Bern, where he created graphic versions of the Old Masters for Wilhelm von Bode...
Category

1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

Edouard Detaille (1848 1912), A Carnival character, original signed Drawing
Located in Paris, FR
Edouard Detaille (1848-1912) A Carnival character and a Zouave 19.5 x 12.5 cm Pen and ink on paper Signed lower left with the initials (faded) In a modern framing : 35 x 28 cm T...
Category

1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

French School 19th Century, A Muskeeter, original pencil drawing
Located in Paris, FR
French school 19th Century A Muskeeter Pencil on paper 26.5 x 17 cm Bears a signature "F. Roybet" in the lower right In quite good condition, bears some visible foxings, In an old mount (some damages) (not framed) Even if the style, execution and of course subject are those of Ferdinand Roybet...
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1890s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Self Portrait, Graphite Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
Elizabeth Zanzinger's (US based) "Self Portrait" is a graphite drawing that depicts the artist. Elizabeth Zanzinger is an award-winning painter with an enthusiastic international following. She developed her artistic voice through her studies at the Aristides Atelier and Gage Academy of Fine Art in Seattle. Elizabeth finished her education with a fellowship award (Grand Prize, 2nd Annual Utrecht Art...
Category

2010s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Graphite

'Napoleonic Guard at the Cathedral of Uspensky Sobor', Moscow, French Militaria
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Initialed lower left, 'C.H.' for Charles Constantine Hoffbauer (French, 1875-1957) and painted circa 1900. Accompanied by the original artist-signed mat, original backing with inscription and newspaper clipping from Los Angeles Times' review of Hoffbauer's 1949 Legion of Honor Exhibition. Mat dimensions: 12.75 x 13.5 Inches An exceptionally fine and detailed, cabinet-sized gouache showing members of the Napoleonic guard relaxing in the courtyard of the Cathedral of Uspensky Sobor during France's brief occupation of Moscow during the fall of 1812. Born in Paris in 1875, Charles Hoffbauer studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under Fernand Cormon and Gustave Moreau and, during his studies, became acquainted with Matisse, Rouault, and Marquet. He was the recipient of numerous prizes, medals and juried awards including an Honorable Mention in the Salon of 1896, and prizes at the Salons of 1898 and 1899. He was awarded a bronze medal at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1900 and, in the same year, a French government scholarship, the Prix National du Salon, that allowed him to travel and study in Italy, Greece and Egypt. In 1902, he won the Prix Rosa Bonheur. At the Salon of 1904, the French government purchased 'Champs de Bataille' for the Musée du Luxembourg and Hoffbauer was elected a member of the Legion of Honor. Hoffbauer served in the French Army as an official war artist during the first world war, winning the Croix de Guerre and acting as liaison officer to the American camouflage section. On the recommendation of the mural painter, James Wall Finn, Hoffbauer received the 1935 commission to paint the murals for Battle Abbey, the Confederate memorial in Richmond, Virginia. He revisited America to accept a commission for the mural in the Missouri State Capitol, and was appointed to membership of the jury of the 1937 International Exposition. Two years later, he became an American citizen and settled in Rockport, Massachusetts. Charles Hoffbauer's work may be found in the permanent collections of numerous national museums including the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. Reference: Who Was Who in American Art 1564-1975: 400 Years of Artists in America, Peter Hastings Falk, Sound View Press 1999, Vol. 2, p. 1585; Thieme-Becker Allgemeines Lexikon der Bildenden Künstler von der Antike bis zu Gengenwart, Ulrich Thieme and Felix Becker, Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag 1992, Vol. 17/18, p. 246; E. Benezit, Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs, et Graveurs, Jacques Busse, 1999 Nouvelle Édition, Gründ 1911, Vol. 7, p. 105; Biographical Encyclopedia of American Painters, Sculptors & Engravers of the U.S.: Colonial to 2002, Bob Creps, Dealer’s Choice Books, Inc. 2002, Vol. 1, p. 643; Steen, James T. "The Story of a Painting," Carnegie Magazine 31/32 (February 1957): 57-59; Charles Hoffbauer (1875-1957). Drawings, Temperas & Oil Paintings. Exh. cat. Somerville, MA: Gropper Art Gallery, 1977; Glueck, Grace. New York: The Painted City. Salt Lake City: Peregrine Smith Books...
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1940s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

"Self Portrait Conte Sketch" rare Ben Fenske work on paper - academic study
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A colorful self-portrait from Ben Fenske, staring at the viewer straight-on. Hues of red dominate. Unframed. Ben Fenske (b. 1978) although a native of Minnesota, and has been worki...
Category

Early 2000s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Conté

“Portrait of a Head”
Located in Southampton, NY
Late 18th century mixed media portrait of the head of an old man, perhaps the biblical figure Moses. Italian school . Composed of graphite, colored chalk, watercolor and gouache on ...
Category

1780s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache, Paper, Chalk, Graphite, Watercolor

Theodore Blake Wirgman (1848-1925) Portrait of Ernest Albert Waterlow, drawing
By Theodore Blake Wirgman
Located in Paris, FR
Theodore Blake Wirgman (1848-1925) Portrait of Sir Ernest Albert Waterlow RA, (1850-1919) pen and black ink on paper, inscribed with thename of the sitter on the verso of the sheet, now not visible under the framing 15 x 12 cm In a modern frame 34.5 x 30 cm Theodore Blake Wirgman (29 April 1848 – 16 January 1925) was an English painter and etcher who moved to London, studied at the Royal Academy schools, became a painter of history and genre subjects, and worked as a portrait artist for The Graphic. A number of these portraits are held at the National Portrait Gallery. Theodore Blake Wirgman was born in Belgium and died in London. He worked from a studio at 24 Dawson Place, Notting Hill, London, and joined The Arts Club in 1892. Wirgman was part of a group of avant-garde young artists who emulated Edward Burne-Jones and Simeon Solomon...
Category

1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

Secretary in the Subway - Pencil drawing - circa 1913
Located in Paris, FR
Georges CONRAD (1874-1936) Secretary in the Subway Original pencil and color pencils drawing Signed with the stamp of atelier On paper 26.5 x 20 cm (c. 10,4 x 7.8 in) Good conditio...
Category

1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Color Pencil, Carbon Pencil

Edouard Detaille (1848 1912), A Carnival scene, watercolor signed
Located in Paris, FR
Edouard Detaille (1848-1912) A carnival scene 21 x 16.5 cm Watercolor and brown ink on paper Signed lower right Period frame : 35 x 30 cm (lacks in...
Category

1880s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

France early 20th century View of the Grosbois castle and head study, watercolor
Located in Paris, FR
French school early 20th century  View of the Grosbois castle and a portrait study. Black ink, black ink wash and watercolor on paper Signed lower right (indistinct, see photo) 27 x ...
Category

1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Ink, Carbon Pencil

Portrait Sketch
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A portrait of a male head, in profile by BenFenske. The artist uses a variety of colors to convey a naturalist impression. Artist Bio Ben Fenske (b. 1978) although a native of Minn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Crayon, Paper, Conté

French 19th Century Romantic Period 1830s Paris Society Beauty Portrait
Located in Norwich, GB
A astounding portrait of a society beauty by Adele Grasset (active ca 1830-1850). With an open face and and lightly smiling lips, she is wearing a gown typical of the romantic period. Drawn in graphite and heightened with white, the drawing is dated 1836 As often with woman artists of the 18th and 19th century, there is little biographical information available on Adèle Grasset. We do know however, that she had studied with the highly prominent artist François Gérard (1770-1837) , known also as the Baron Gérard...
Category

1830s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Gouache

Study for Alyssa II
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A charcoal portrait drawing of a young woman. "The emotional intensity found in Bauman’s figurative work is astounding. A hallmark of Bauman’s character portraits is that, somehow,...
Category

2010s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Charcoal

J.Jacques Berne-Bellecour (1874-1939), North African Horseman, 1915, watercolor
Located in Paris, FR
Jean-Jacques Berne-Bellecour (1874-1939) A North African Horseman in the forest, Watercolor on paper signed and dated 1915 lower right, 32 x 27.5 cm In a modern frame : 53 x 48 cm ...
Category

1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Untitled (Sideview of a Gentleman)
Located in New York, NY
John Thomas Young Gilroy (English, 1898-1985), "Untitled: Sideview of a Gentleman", Charcoal/Pencil on Paper signed and matted to original card stock, 20.75 x 12.75 (22 x 14), Early 20th Century, 1920 Colors: White, Black John Thomas Young Gilroy (30 May 1898 – 11 April 1985) was an English artist and illustrator, best known for his advertising posters for Guinness, the Irish stout. He signed many of his works, simply, "Gilroy". Born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, England, Gilroy attended Durham University until his studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served with the Royal Field Artillery. He resumed studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he remained as a teacher. He taught at Camberwell College of Arts.[1] In 1925, he gained employment at S.H. Benson's advertising agency, where he created the iconic advertisement art for Guinness featuring the Zoo Keeper and animals enjoying Guinness.[2] He worked with Dorothy L. Sayers.[3] He was also an accomplished portrait painter, numbering Royalty, Politicians, Actors and many others amongst his sitters. He worked in his large studio at 10 Holland Park, London, the former home and studio of Sir Bernard Partridge. He was a long-standing and much loved member of the Garrick Club...
Category

1920s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Carbon Pencil

Untitled (Mother Holding Baby)
Located in New York, NY
John Thomas Young Gilroy (English, 1898-1985), "Untitled: Mother Holding Baby", Figurative/Academic Drawing signed on Paper, 14 x 8, Early 20th Century Colors: White, Black "Untitled: Mother Holding Baby" is a Figurative/ Academic Drawing signed on Paper. Among our Gilroy collection of drawings, this particular work is unique due to its original grid markings included here within. As one can view among our details, the drawing has visible age markings and 3/4 of the perimeter rear of the work has tape. Nevertheless, as with all his figurative graphite works, a wonderfully drawn piece of a Mother cradling her infant child. John Thomas Young Gilroy (30 May 1898 – 11 April 1985) was an English artist and illustrator, best known for his advertising posters for Guinness, the Irish stout. He signed many of his works, simply, "Gilroy". Born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, England, Gilroy attended Durham University until his studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served with the Royal Field Artillery. He resumed studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he remained as a teacher. He taught at Camberwell College of Arts. In 1925, he gained employment at S.H. Benson's advertising agency, where he created the iconic advertisement art for Guinness featuring the Zoo Keeper and animals enjoying Guinness.He worked with Dorothy L. Sayers. He was also an accomplished portrait painter, numbering Royalty, Politicians, Actors and many others amongst his sitters. He worked in his large studio at 10 Holland Park, London, the former home and studio of Sir Bernard Partridge. He was a long-standing and much loved member of the Garrick Club...
Category

1920s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Tam-Tam
Located in Florham Park, NJ
House of Bernard Founded 1905. Watercolor over pencil. Some with gold or silver leaf highlights Paris, France. Coats, 1923. Evening dresses, 1926. French fashion has influe...
Category

1920s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Paper, Watercolor, Archival Tape, Ink, Paper, Plexiglass, Rag P...

Academic figurative drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Academic figurative drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 20th Century, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add figurative drawings and watercolors created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple and other colors. Frequently made by artists working with Archival Paper, and Archival Tape and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Academic figurative drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 2.56 inches across are also available. Prices for figurative drawings and watercolors 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 $288,500, while the average work sells for $747.

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