Skip to main content

Academic Figurative Paintings

262 Results
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. 

to
60
62
48
61
52
59
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
6
150
70
56
7
4
9
11
4
6
5
3
2
1
2
16,753
5,475
3,504
3,376
1,640
1,471
1,359
1,297
578
469
391
189
92
70
157
115
8
237
146
79
66
53
39
24
22
18
17
17
13
12
10
9
9
7
7
7
7
272
249
146
143
28
8
4
4
4
4
197
9
212
66
Style: Academic
'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral
'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral

'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral

By Marcus Waterman

Located in Santa Cruz, CA

Signed with monogram lower right, 'MW' for Marcus (Mark) Waterman (American, 1834-1914) and painted circa 1890. “All the world’s a stage” – In the late 1880s, an expanding rail netw...

Category

1890s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Performance, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting
Performance, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting

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,...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Return from Hunting Oil Painting, Framed, 19th Century, 75x63 cm
Return from Hunting Oil Painting, Framed, 19th Century, 75x63 cm

Return from Hunting Oil Painting, Framed, 19th Century, 75x63 cm

Located in Genève, GE

Fine antique oil on canvas depicting a traditional hunting still life composed of a suspended hare, pheasant, and game birds arranged in a rustic interior setting. Executed in the spirit of late 18th to early 19th century European still life painting...

Category

19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

“Sunset on the River”
“Sunset on the River”

“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...

Category

1890s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large Antique French 19th Century Oil Canvas Painting "Hearts Awakening" Cherubs
Large Antique French 19th Century Oil Canvas Painting "Hearts Awakening" Cherubs

Large Antique French 19th Century Oil Canvas Painting "Hearts Awakening" Cherubs

By William-Adolphe Bouguereau

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...

Category

1890s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

'A Quiet Afternoon', Sunlit Danish Interior, Berlin Academy of Arts, Benezit
'A Quiet Afternoon', Sunlit Danish Interior, Berlin Academy of Arts, Benezit

'A Quiet Afternoon', Sunlit Danish Interior, Berlin Academy of Arts, Benezit

By Robert Panitzsch

Located in Santa Cruz, CA

Signed lower left, 'Rob. Panitzsch' for Robert Panitzsch (Danish, 1879-1949) and dated 1920. Panitzsch studied at the Academy of Arts in Berlin where he lived and exhibited for many...

Category

1920s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Masonite

The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed
The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed

The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed

By Paula Craioveanu

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...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mythological scene, study for the Prize of Rome 1864, French academism, Homer
Mythological scene, study for the Prize of Rome 1864, French academism, Homer

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...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

San Luís de Francia - Óleo sobre tela - Siglo XIX-XX
San Luís de Francia - Óleo sobre tela - Siglo XIX-XX

San Luís de Francia - Óleo sobre tela - Siglo XIX-XX

Located in Sant Celoni, ES

Firmado en la parte inferior con iniciales (pero desconozco el artista) Se presenta enmarcada la obra Medidas obra: 139 cm. de altura x 104 cm. de ancho Medidas obra: 154 cm. de a...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Wounded Achilles En Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting by Philip Melville Courtney
Wounded Achilles En Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting by Philip Melville Courtney

Wounded Achilles En Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting by Philip Melville Courtney

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...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Beach, Coastal, Impressionism, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Beach, Coastal, Impressionism, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind

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, ...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Prosperous Family: Academic Figurative Painting by Mark Beard aka Bruce Sargeant
Prosperous Family: Academic Figurative Painting by Mark Beard aka Bruce Sargeant

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...

Category

Early 2000s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Original set illustration from "Gone With The Wind" Tyrus Wong, Hollywood, Film
"Original set illustration from "Gone With The Wind" Tyrus Wong, Hollywood, Film

"Original set illustration from "Gone With The Wind" Tyrus Wong, Hollywood, Film

Located in New York, NY

Tyrus Wong Original set illustration from "Gone With The Wind", 1939 Signed lower right Oil on panel 6 x 8 3/4 inches Tyrus Wong’s life embodies a remarkable journey of perseverance, talent, and artistic achievement. Born in China, he immigrated to the United States at the age of nine after being separated from his mother, whom he would never see again. Reunited with his father in Sacramento, Wong later relocated to Los Angeles, where the two lived in modest circumstances within a boarding house in Chinatown. His father nurtured his artistic abilities by encouraging him to practice Chinese calligraphy and helping him secure small painting jobs in the neighborhood. Recognizing his exceptional talent, one of Wong’s teachers recommended him for a summer scholarship at the Otis Art Institute. He became the youngest recipient of the award and later earned a full scholarship, offsetting tuition costs through work performed on campus. After completing his studies in 1930, Wong supported himself through a variety of artistic jobs, including creating advertisements and working at the popular Dragon’s Den restaurant in Chinatown. During the Great Depression, he found employment through the Federal Art Project, producing paintings for government-sponsored programs. His career took a pivotal turn when he joined Walt Disney Studios. There, his atmospheric pastel studies for Bambi impressed Walt Disney and helped shape the film’s distinctive visual style. Wong’s contributions to the film’s backgrounds were instrumental to its success, earning him posthumous recognition as a Disney Legend in 2001. Following labor disputes at Disney, he left the studio before Bambi was released and continued his career at Warner Bros. and Republic Studios, creating concept art for films including Rebel Without a Cause, Around the World in 80 Days, Sands of Iwo Jima, and The Wild Bunch. He retired from the film industry in 1968. Alongside his Hollywood career, Wong remained deeply involved in Southern California’s art community. He exhibited regularly in galleries and museums and participated in artist-run initiatives such as Eleven Associated, a cooperative gallery active during the early 1950s. Best known for his watercolor paintings and ceramics, Wong developed a unique artistic language that blended traditional Chinese brush techniques with modern American aesthetics. Influenced by his teacher Stanton Macdonald-Wright, he combined expressive calligraphic brushwork with depictions of nature and movement. His artistic versatility extended beyond fine art into commercial design, where he created popular Christmas card imagery and dinnerware patterns for Winfield Pottery...

Category

1930s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Study for Roses Du Matin
Study for Roses Du Matin

Study for Roses Du Matin

By Adrian Gottlieb

Located in Pasadena, CA

Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist. Signed "AG" on lower left corner Dimensions Framed: 13.5" x 15.5" x 2.5"; Unframed: 7.875" x 10" Exhibited Artist's Ch...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Cupid and Aphrodite: Late 19th Century Porcelain Painting
Cupid and Aphrodite: Late 19th Century Porcelain Painting

Cupid and Aphrodite: Late 19th Century Porcelain Painting

Located in Milwaukee, WI

This painting on porcelain depicts the Greek legends Aphrodite and Cupid in radiant light. In this playful scene, Aphrodite holds Cupid's bow just out of his reach. This painting is ...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Porcelain

Parade in Geneva, 19th Century European Historical Oil Painting
Parade in Geneva, 19th Century European Historical Oil Painting

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...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

An 18th-19th Century Oil on Canvas "The Triumph of Venice" After Paolo Veronese
An 18th-19th Century Oil on Canvas "The Triumph of Venice" After Paolo Veronese

An 18th-19th Century Oil on Canvas "The Triumph of Venice" After Paolo Veronese

By Paolo Veronese

Located in LA, CA

A very fine and Large Italian 18th-19th century oval-shaped oil on canvas titled "The Triumph of Venice" After the original work by Paolo Veronese (Venice, 1528-1588). The original of this painting hangs in the Palazzo Ducale, Venice. The 'Ricci' coloration suggests a late 17th-early 18th century date. In 1715 Charles de la Fosse advised Ricci to paint only "Veroneses and no more Riccis", Venice, circa 1800. Measures: Height: 45 1/4 inches (115 cm). Width: 29 inches (73.7 cm). Frame height: 58 1/4 inches (147.9 cm). Frame width: 43 1/4 inches (109.9 cm). Frame depth: 5 1/4 (13.3 cm). Provenance: Royal Academy of Scotland. Paolo Veronese (Born 1528, Verona, Republic of Venice - died April 9, 1588, Venice) was an Italian painter of the Renaissance in Venice, famous for paintings such as The Wedding at...

Category

19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Departure of the infantrymen for the war of 14, signed
Departure of the infantrymen for the war of 14, signed

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...

Category

1910s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

“Mother and Child in the Garden”
“Mother and Child in the Garden”

“Mother and Child in the Garden”

By Edward Percy Moran

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...

Category

1890s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Hunting Scene by Sir Alfred J. Munnings
Hunting Scene by Sir Alfred J. Munnings

Hunting Scene by Sir Alfred J. Munnings

Located in New Orleans, LA

Sir Alfred James Munnings 1878-1959 British Hunting Scene Signed “A J Munnings” (lower right) Oil on board The exciting atmosphere of the hunt is masterfully captured in this ex...

Category

20th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

By William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Located in New Orleans, LA

William-Adolphe Bouguereau 1825-1905 French Jeune mère contemplant deux enfants qui s'embrassent (Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children) Signed “W-Bouguereau” (bottom ...

Category

19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910) The Artist at Work, oil on panel
Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910) The Artist at Work, oil on panel

Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910) The Artist at Work, oil on panel

Located in Les Acacias GE, GE

Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910)
 The Artist at Work
 Oil on panel
 Signed and located Munchen lower left 
21 x 16 cm
 Provenance: * Collections of Prof. Dr. Ludwig Borchardt and Emili...

Category

19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Madonna and Child. Oil on canvas. Mounted on canvas. 72x58 cm. Unsigned
Madonna and Child. Oil on canvas. Mounted on canvas. 72x58 cm. Unsigned

Madonna and Child. Oil on canvas. Mounted on canvas. 72x58 cm. Unsigned

By Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato

Located in Riga, LV

Giovanni Battista Salvi was born at Sassoferrato in the Marches, from where he took his name. His work, which was consciously anachronistic in 17th-century Rome, looked back to the 1...

Category

17th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Untitled 12, " Charcoal Drawing

"Untitled 12, " Charcoal Drawing

By Mark Bradley Schwartz

Located in Denver, CO

Mark Bradley Schwartz's (US based) "Untitled 12" is an original, handmade charcoal drawing that depicts a woman in profile with her long dark hair draped over her right shoulder with...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

At the Beach, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
At the Beach, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

At the Beach, 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: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: At the Beach Size: 31.5" x 39.5" x ...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Madman from Gyurle, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting
Madman from Gyurle, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting

Madman from Gyurle, 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: 2016 Style: Figurative Surrealism, Title: Madman from Gyurle, Size: 31.5" ...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Taxi Service Ashot, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting
Taxi Service Ashot, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting

Taxi Service Ashot, 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: 2014 Style: Figurative Surrealism, Subject: Taxi Service Ashot, Size: 27.5...

Category

2010s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A Fine & Large 19th Century Oil on Canvas "New Year's Day at The Grandfather's"
A Fine & Large 19th Century Oil on Canvas "New Year's Day at The Grandfather's"

A Fine & Large 19th Century Oil on Canvas "New Year's Day at The Grandfather's"

Located in LA, CA

Friedrich Ortlieb (German, 1839-1909) A fine and large oil on canvas titled "New Year's Day at The grandfather's". The joyful indoor family scene depicting a Christmas and new year's...

Category

19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

“Self Portrait Post Panic Attack ” Oil Painting, Realist, Melancholic, Signed
“Self Portrait Post Panic Attack ” Oil Painting, Realist, Melancholic, Signed

“Self Portrait Post Panic Attack ” Oil Painting, Realist, Melancholic, Signed

By Rolf Hellem

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

"Self Portrait Post Panic Attack" is an impressionist self portrait of artist Rolf Hellem. He is painted from the neck up, staring directly at the viewer. The bare linen canvas and a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Goddess of Dawn Mythology scene Artwork Aurora in white toga smelling a flower.
Goddess of Dawn Mythology scene Artwork Aurora in white toga smelling a flower.

Goddess of Dawn Mythology scene Artwork Aurora in white toga smelling a flower.

By Jean Louis Hamon

Located in Miami, FL

Jean Louis Hamon artfully presents the mythological subject: Aurora the Goddess of Dawn. She is dressed in a flowing toga, standing on a large leaf and smelling the sweetness of a flower in bloom. Surrounded by lush plants in an idyllic setting of pinks and blues, one would not think that this peaceful and beautiful work was painted in 1864 at the time of the American Civil War. Hamon meticulously renders the scene with the academic precision of Bouguereau. The closer you get, the more detail you discover. Two butterflies sit atop Aurora's head. Droplets of water gracefully roll down her hair. There was a hand colored steel plate...

Category

1860s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Woman with Cameo, Academic Oil Painting, Mid-19th Century, Framed
Woman with Cameo, Academic Oil Painting, Mid-19th Century, Framed

Woman with Cameo, Academic Oil Painting, Mid-19th Century, Framed

Located in Genève, GE

Work on canvas Original frame This portrait of a woman with a cameo is a beautiful example of 19th-century classical painting, showcasing the refinement and elegance of its time. The...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

“Tipos”
“Tipos”

“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...

Category

Early 1900s Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Illustration Board

Young Italian woman in traditional dress holding a tambourine
Young Italian woman in traditional dress holding a tambourine

Young Italian woman in traditional dress holding a tambourine

Located in Genève, GE

This superb 19th-century portrait depicts a young Italian woman in traditional dress, holding a tambourine, a symbol of music and popular celebration. Dressed in a white shirt with ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Academic figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Academic figurative paintings 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 figurative paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, purple and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Mark Beard, Kyna de Schouël, Elizabeth Zanzinger, and Delphin Enjolras. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil 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 Academic figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 4.93 inches across are also available. Prices for figurative paintings 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 $280 and tops out at $595,000, while the average work sells for $7,158.