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.
Neoclassical sculpture Ephebus Harpocratic in Marble Roman workshop 18th century
Located in Pistoia, IT
Rare neoclassical white marble sculpture depicting an ephebe in the gesture of silence, also known as the gesture of Harpocrates, Rome, second half of the 18th century. Harpocrate...
Marble
“Clipper Ship under Full Sail”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a clipper ship under full sail. Signed “T. Bailey” lower right. Condition is good. Original gold frame with wear consistent with age. Overall frame...
Canvas, Oil
Parade in Geneva, 19th Century European Historical Oil Painting
Located in Genève, GE
Signed "A Dovianne" in the lower left corner. A vibrant and highly detailed historical scene depicting a ceremonial procession of mounted figures crossing a grand city square in Geneva, richly adorned with festive banners and flags. The composition is animated by a rhythmic procession of elegantly dressed horsemen, accompanied by soldiers and attendants, creating a dynamic sense of movement and civic pageantry. At the center of the scene, a monumental statue anchors the composition, reinforcing the public and historical significance of the event. The surrounding architecture, carefully rendered, is decorated with numerous flags suggesting a moment of national celebration or official ceremony within the city. The artist demonstrates strong academic training in the rendering of figures, horses, and perspective. The palette is lively yet balanced, combining warm earth tones with vibrant reds, blues, and gold accents, while the softly illuminated sky provides atmospheric contrast. This work belongs to the tradition of 19th century European historical painting, with particular appeal for collectors interested in Swiss subjects, civic celebrations, and narrative compositions. défilé à genève painting, geneva parade painting, swiss historical painting, military parade oil painting, horsemen procession art, 19th century history painting, geneva city scene oil, swiss flags painting, ceremonial parade artwork, cavalry painting...
Canvas, Oil
$512Sale Price|20% Off
Fishing Boat, Seascape Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Fishing Boat, Size: 8.5" x 12" x 0....
Canvas, Oil
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil and Watercolor on Paper Size: 18.75 (Heig...
Pencil, Watercolor
$240Sale Price|60% Off
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
Pencil
Print Albert Anker "Der Quacksalber", Laque on Panel, Mid-Century, Framed
Located in Zofingen, AG
Print Albert Anker "Der Quacksalber", Laque on Panel, Mid-Century, Framed Title Print on Panel Albert Anker "Der Quacksalber", Mid-Century, Framed, Switzerland Medium Print on pane...
Oil, Panel
Performance, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2018 Style: Surrealism, Title: Performance Size: 23.5" x 23.5" x 1'' inch,...
Canvas, Oil
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Seashore, Coastal, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Seashore Size: 11" x 14" x 0.8'' in...
Canvas, Oil
$544Sale Price|61% Off
Lively alley by Pierre Duc - Watercolor
By Pierre Duc
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on arch paper Black wooden frame with glass pane 87 x 67,5 x 1,5 cm
Watercolor, Pastel
$2,100Sale Price|34% Off
“Sunset on the River”
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautifully painted sunset on the river with a single figure in a punt and cattle crossing by the American artist, George Riecke. Most likely a New Orlea...
Canvas, Oil
$1,500Sale Price|50% Off
PASSION #3 - nude male painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Passion #3" . Composition with Two Male Nudes, oil on canvas, 35.5x19.5in / 90x50cm Part of "Wings of Gods" solo show, April 2024. see pictures from the show. Shipped as it is, stre...
Canvas, Oil
South Bay, Seascape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: South Bay Size: 29" x 39.5" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,544Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Mid 19th century White Carrara Marble bust. Portrait of young male.
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian Portrait White Marble Bust in a Heroic Attitude. Carrara statuary Marble. Tuscan school. Circa 1850. Bust depicting a young man with bare shoulders. This model draws inspira...
Marble
$324Sale Price|20% Off
"Notions Possibilités" Study of Horse Gaits and Motion by Robert Ladou
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Abstract Study or a Rearing Horse and Figure Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pen on paper Size: 6.25 (Height) x 4.5 (Width) Signed: No Condit...
Pen
$2,000
Moonlight, Seascape, Original oil Painting, Handmade, Canvas Art, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Moonlight Size: 17.5" x 23.5" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
Elisabeth Voigt – Signed German Landscape Oil Painting, circa 1950s
Located in Zofingen, AG
Elisabeth Voigt (German, 20th Century, d. 1977) Oil on board (likely hardboard / Masonite); Dimensions: • Image: 22 × 16 cm • Framed: 35x29x5 cm Signed lower left. A charming and...
Oil, Panel
$795Sale Price|33% Off
"Daffodils in Ceramic Pitcher"
Located in Southampton, NY
Here for your consideration is a beautiful watercolor still life on heavy paper by the German artist, E. Riehle. Signed and dated lower right, 1903. In good condition with it's orig...
Paper, Watercolor
Large Antique French 19th Century Oil Canvas Painting "Hearts Awakening" Cherubs
Located in Portland, OR
A fine late 19th century oil on canvas painting, circa of William-Adolphe Bouguereau (French, 1825-1905). Oil on canvas painting depicting a woman with two cherubs in a garden. After...
Oil, Canvas
Mythological scene, study for the Prize of Rome 1864, French academism, Homer
Located in Norwich, GB
This rare mythological scene depicting the Greek author Homer on the island of Scyros. You will notice the Trojan War being fought in the background. Our painting, dating from 1864, is unsigned, but has a solid attribution to academic artist Henri-Léopold Lévy...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"The Painter's Studio", oil on canvas, 39x27.5in / 100x70cm The artist's studio and art objects part of artist' life and work. A sculpture, an antique head and a painting that remin...
Canvas, Oil
$2,695Sale Price|20% Off
Departure of the infantrymen for the war of 14, signed
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas signed lower right Dimension with frame 70 x 80 x 6 cm This striking work captures a group of French soldiers marching determinedly along a dusty road, with the distan...
Oil
“Mother and Child in the Garden”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a young woman with child in a garden in the moon light. The artist is the well known American painter, Edward Percy Moran. Signed by the artist low...
Canvas, Oil
Flower Painting French Academic Realist Still life DUDAN mid 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
Gabriel-Dominique DUDAN (Active from the 1830s to the 1850s) Bouquet of Roses, Foxgloves, Poppies, Violets, and Daisies Oil on canvas 61 x 50 cm (77 x 66 cm with frame) Signed and da...
Oil
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
“Tipos”
Located in Southampton, NY
Oil paint on heavy illustration board by the Spanish artist, Cecilio Pla. Signed lower right. Titled and signed verso. “Tipos” means types; different type...
Oil, Illustration Board
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
“Portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox”
Located in Southampton, NY
Very well executed portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox. See the sitter’s biography below. Signed top right and dated 1881. Relined canvas, very good condition. The portrait is housed in a contemporary replica of a period frame. Overall framed measurements are 33.25 by 28.25 inches. Provenance: A East Hampton, Long Island collector. Biography George Peter Alexander Healy was born in Boston on July 15, 1813, the first of five children of William Healy, an Irish immigrant and captain of a merchant vessel, and his wife Mary Hicks. Healy showed an early artistic interest: by 1830 the self-taught painter had opened a portrait studio from which he hoped to help to support his family. Although commissions were at first sparse, young Healy received important encouragement from Thomas Sully (1783-1872)) who advised him to make painting his profession. His fortunes also improved in 1831 when Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, a leader in Boston society, granted him permission to paint her portrait and recommended his talents to other potential patrons. In 1834 Healy went to France where he studied with Baron Antoine-Jean Gros (1771-1835). A year later he traveled through Italy, visiting museums and churches in the company of Lady and Sir Arthur Faulkner who soon provided his introduction to London society. It was in England that Healy met and, in 1839, married Louisa Phipps. The couple settled in Paris where Healy embarked upon the beginning of a long and happy marriage and thriving career. His diplomatic and affable demeanor, together with his obvious skill, brought him tremendous success throughout Europe and the United States. Prolific, as well as talented, he had by 1867 produced more than six hundred portraits. The constant stream of commissions included dignified, imposing portraits of such celebrated figures as Pope Pius IX and Queen Elizabeth of Romania, the latter of whom developed a warm friendship with Healy and his family. Although Healy, sometimes accompanied by his wife, traveled to the United States several times during the 1840s and early 1850s, it was not until 1856 that the entire family settled in America. They took up residence in the booming city of Chicago, which Healy used as a base for his work in Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and other cities. During the Civil War years he often traveled to Washington to paint military figures and members of the President's cabinet. The family returned to Europe in 1867, but George Healy...
Canvas, Oil
“Still Life with Fruit”
By Oliver Clare
Located in Southampton, NY
Very well Victorian still life of fruit by the renowned botanical artist, Oliver Clare. Signed by the artist lower right. Circa 1880. Condition is very good. The painting is housed i...
Canvas, Oil
“Shipping in Southampton Water”
By Ebenezer Colls
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a large sailing vessel traveling through Southampton waters in England in a dramatic sunset. The artist is the well known British marine artist Ebe...
Canvas, Oil
$5,800
Antique Bronze Dog "Whippet with a Butterfly" Arthur Waagen (1833-1898) 1 of 2
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Antique Bronze Dog Portrait “La Levrette au Papillon” or “Whippet (Greyhound) with a Butterfly” Arthur Waagen (Germany, France 1833-1898) Circa 1860’s 11 x 8 x 4 inches (1 of 2. ...
Bronze
$420Sale Price|20% Off
“Portuguese Fisherman”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original watercolor on archival paper of a Portuguese fisherman with fishing boats in the background. Done in an academic style. Great detail. Signed by the artist and dated 1971 lo...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Portrait of a Woman in Traditional Dress and Lace Bonnet
Located in Genève, GE
A finely executed 19th-century portrait depicting a woman dressed in traditional regional attire. Presented against a dark background that emphasizes her calm expression and dignifie...
Canvas, Oil
$420
Greek Architecture Blueprint of Ancient Amphitheatre Cyanotype Print, Watercolor
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. Details: + Title: Ancient Roman Amphitheater + Year: 2022 + Edition Size: 50 + Stamped and Certificate of Authenticity provided + Measurements : 70x100 cm (28x 40 in.), a standard frame size + All cyanotype prints...
Photographic Film, Emulsion, Watercolor, C Print, Lithograph, Monotype, ...
Ocean Side, Impressionism Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: Ocean Side Size: 29.5" x 39" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
Elegant Neoclassical White Marble Fragment Draped Female Sculpture 19' century
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant marble sculpture fragment depicting a draped female figure, inspired by the ideals of Classical Antiquity and presented in the refine...
Marble
“Still Life with Fruit and Melon”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a still life composed of an open melon, grapes, peaches, plums and berries. Signed illegibly lower right. German school. Circa 1880. Beautiful gol...
Canvas, Oil
Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving of Flowering Tulip & Wild Garlic Plants
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copperplate engraving entitled "Tulipa viridiscoloris, Fritillaria iuncifolns, Allium Vrsinum" depicting flowering tulip, fritillary and wild garlic plants fro...
Engraving
Horse and Woman, Abstract Screenprint with Gold Paint by Lebadang
By Hoi Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lebadang, Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Title: Untitled - Horse and Woman Medium: Screenprint with Gold Paint, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 30...
Gold Leaf
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Portrait of the Black Ball Clipper Montezuma"
Located in Southampton, NY
Watercolor on paper by William Minshall Birchall of the black ball clipper ship, the Montezuma. Titled and signed W. M. Birchall lower left in pencil. Findlay Gallery label verso. 0riginal frame and mat with normal wear due to age. The American packet ship...
Paper, Watercolor
$960Sale Price|20% Off
“Still Life with Strawberries”
Located in Southampton, NY
Very nicely executed original still life oil painting on fiberboard of strawberries by an unknown artist. Signed lower right, Charles Burch. I believe this painting is quite possibly the work of Edward Pritchard...
Oil, Fiberboard
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Listening N°2 by Benjamin II Vautier - Graphite on paper - 26.5x21 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Benjamin II Vautier (1895–1974) was a Swiss-born artist, known for his contributions to both painting and graphic art. He was born into a family with artistic roots, as the son of Ot...
Paper, Graphite
Prosperous Family: Academic Figurative Painting by Mark Beard aka Bruce Sargeant
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Academic style figurative painting on canvas of a family and red tractor against a classic American farm field "Prosperous Family", painted by Mark Beard under his fictitious persona, Bruce Sargeant 84 x 58 inches unframed, 91 x 65 x 3 inches with a gold painted wood frame Excellent condition, ready to hang as is This Academic style figurative oil painting on canvas was painted by Mark Beard as Bruce Sargeant, a pseudonym in homage to the fashion photographer, Bruce Weber, and figurative painter, John Singer Sargeant. Here, the artist captures a blue collar American farming family in their field with an old red tractor. The man and woman stand stoically with their young child, dressed in simple white garments, perhaps to symbolize their purity. Rolling mountains...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Young Lady in Blue Empire Dress, 19th Century
Located in Genève, GE
Dimensions with frame: 43,5 x 38,5 x 8 cm. This refined oil portrait depicts a young woman presented in a graceful three-quarter pose, her soft gaze and subtle smile conveying both ...
Canvas, Oil
After Storm, Impressionism Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: After Storm Size: 29" x 39" x 0.8''...
Canvas, Oil
Swans Woodblock by Hans Neumann, 1913
By Hans Neumann
Located in New York, NY
Hans Neumann (German, 1873 - 1957) Schwäne (Swans), 1913 Woodblock Sight: 17 x 11 in. Framed: 25 3/4 x 19 in. Signed & inscribed bottom, artist monogram lower left This outstanding ...
Woodcut
"Woman at Piano" Henry Eugene Fritz, Interior Scene, American, Floral Still Life
Located in New York, NY
Henry Eugene Fritz Woman at Piano Signed lower left Oil on canvas 24 x 18 inches Henry Eugene Fritz was a German-American painter whose work reflects a quiet commitment to realism ...
Canvas, Oil
"Portrait of Rebecca" Harriet Peale, Early American Female Portrait
By Harriet Cany Peale
Located in New York, NY
Harriet Peale Portrait of Rebecca, 1840 Inscribed verso, “Portrait of Rebecca Greenwood (?)/ Aged 25 years/ Painted by Harriet C. Cany/ May 1840” Oil on canvas 28 3/4 x 23 3/4 inches...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Young Boy with Cap and Red Scarf, European Oil Painting
Located in Genève, GE
Dimension with frame: 42,5 x 34,5 x 4 cm. A sensitive and finely observed portrait of a young boy shown in profile, wearing a dark cap and a vivid red scarf. The composition is inti...
Oil, Cardboard
Wounded Achilles En Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting by Philip Melville Courtney
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Classical Male Nude Painting, After the Antique — Inspired by Wounded Achilles Oil on Canvas, Contemporary This exceptional en grisaille oil on canvas figurative painting is inspired...
Oil
“Knight of the Field”
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is “Knight of the Field” aka “A Man in Armour,” a painting by Edgar Allan Ward (1862–1947). The portrait is of an unknown gentleman in full plate armor, complete with a swor...
Canvas, Oil
Lion & Mouse
Located in New York, NY
Isadore stands as one of the greatest animaliers of all time and this is a playful and endearing example of his work! Especially going forward, these bronzes make a distinctive and...
Bronze
$486Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse in Profile
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse in Profile Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on Paper Size: 14.25 (Height) x 19.25 (Width) Signed: No ...
Pencil
$28,500
The Archer Bronze Sculpture, Academic Style, Early 20th Century, 42"
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Archer (Der Bogenschütze) — Large Bronze, 42” tall male nude academic bronze sculpture by Ernst Moritz Geyger. Cast by Gladenbeck Foundry, Berlin This 42-inch bronze of The Arche...
Bronze
$513Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of Horse's Head
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of Horse's Head Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on Paper Size: Excluding Mount: 8.75 (Height) x 10.75 (Width), ...
Pencil
French Landscape painting Mountain Alps Academic Attributed to THUILLIER 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre Thuillier (Attributed to) Amiens, 1799 – Paris, 1858 Landscape with moutains Oil on canvas 25 x 37 cm (45 x 54 cm with frame) Traces of a signature lower left, barely legible...
Oil
Carrying Fruit, Abstract Gold Leaf Screenprint by Lebadang aka Hoi
By Hoi Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lebadang, Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Title: Untitled - Carrying Fruit Medium: Screenprint, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 47 x 20.5 in. (119.38 x 52.07 cm)
Gold Leaf
$960
Botanical Triptych Cyanotype Print of Shady Majesty Palm Leaves Garden in Blue
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These...
Lithograph, Monotype, Paper
French Academic Oil Painting – Classical Garden with Female Figures and Swans
Located in New York, NY
Signed and dated low-right. This important French academic oil painting by Paul Jean Gervais, one of the leading figures of late 19th-century academic art, depicts an idealized clas...
Oil, Canvas
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Close to Shore, Seascape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Close to Shore, Size: 11" x 14" x 0...
Canvas, Oil
Mountain View, Landscape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Mountain View Size: 16" x 21" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
Beach, Coastal, Impressionism, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ara H. Hakobyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: Beach Size: 24" x 30" x 0.8'' inch, ...
Canvas, Oil