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Old Masters Figurative Paintings

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
Antique French Old Master Oil Painting Christ Healing the Sick Jersusalem
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Christ Healing the Sick French School, 19th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 15 x 20.5 inches Provenance: private collection, Europe Condition: some craquelure throughout, mo...
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19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

18th Century French Old Master Oil Painting Ancient Port Harbor Shipping Marine
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Harbor Scene Circle of Claude Joseph Vernet (French, 1714-1789) oil painting on canvas, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 20.5 x 25.5 canvas: 19 x 23.5 inches condition: very good...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Huge 18th Century Classical Italianate Arcadian Landscape Figures & Buildings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures in an Arcadian Landscape Italian School, 18th century follower of Claude Lorrain (French 1600-1682) oil painting on canvas: 28 x 36 inches framed: 39.5 by 47 inches presented...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of Cornelis and Michiel Pompe van Meerdervoort with Their Tutor
By Aelbert Cuyp
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Attributed to Aelbert Cuyp (1620-1691) An Equestrian Portrait of Cornelis (1639–1680) and Michiel Pompe van Meerdervoort (1638–1653) with Their Tutor and Coachman Signed 'A. Cuyp. fe...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge Antique Dutch Old Master Oil Painting The Jewish Bridge after Rembrandt
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Jewish Bridge antique Dutch School, after the 1660's oil painting by Rembrandt (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam) oil painting on canvas, framed in its antique gilt frame with ornate mould...
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Late 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Portrait of a Man – A Dramatic Study in Light and Expression
Located in Stockholm, SE
This compelling portrait, recently studied by Stéphane Pinta of the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris, has been confidently attributed to the Austrian painter Matthäus (Matthias) Lod...
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Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine 17th Century French Old Master Oil on Copper The Madonna & Christ Child
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna and Christ Child French Old Master, 17th century circle of Simon Vouet (French 1590-164 oil on copper, unframed Copper : 9 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection, Lyon, Fr...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

Portrait of an Elderly Man
Located in Stockholm, SE
This finely executed oil painting, attributed to the circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich, captures the contemplative expression of an elderly man, his gaze lowered in quiet re...
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Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Madonna and Child 1800's English Oil on Canvas with Circular Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna and Child English Old Master, c. 1800 oil on canvas, unframed (relined canvas) Canvas: 14.5 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good condition De...
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Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge Victorian English Old Master Oil Painting Madonna & Christ Child after Dyck
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna and Christ Child English School, 19th century after the earlier painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck oil on canvas, framed in fine elaborate gilt frame. Framed: 49 x 39.5 in...
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19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Antique English Grand Tour Old Master Oil Figures Classical Arcadian Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Landscape oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 37 inches canvas : 19 x 27 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: the frame is exceptionally fragile and vulnerab...
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Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Very Large 1700's Dutch Old Master Oil Painting The Nativity Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Nativity Dutch Old Master, early 1700's period oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 36 x 27.5 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condition, some scuf...
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Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Large Antique Oil Painting The Mona Lisa after da Vinci's Famous Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Mona Lisa after Leonardo da Vinci French artist, 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: good and sound condi...
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20th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

17th Century Dutch Old Master Ink Drawing Christ on the Cross Many Figures 1674
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Christ on the Cross attributed to Jan Luyken (Dutch, 1649–1712) inscribed 1674 upper corner pencil drawing, watercolor and ink wash on paper over oard, framed framed: 12 x 11 inches ...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Color Pencil, Ink, Watercolor

Large 18th Century British Old Master Oil Painting Figures at Dusk in Woodland
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Close of Day English artist, second half 18th century circle of Thomas Gainsborough (British 1727-1788) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24.5 x 29 inches provenance: private colle...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

18th century French Old Master Portrait of a woman in oriental costume
Located in Aartselaar, BE
French 18th century old master portrait of a majestic lady dressed "à la Turque" The sitter at the viewer with a kind and enigmatic smile and twinkling eyes. She looks elegant and kind, yet also has an intelligent and determined aura, reflecting the character of someone who is in charge of her own life and destiny. De Silvestre paid great attention to her spectacular outfit, which is striking in its portrayal of the sumptuous fabrics and their decorative richness. She is wearing a luxurious royal blue robe à la...
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1740s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine 1800's Italian Grand Tour Oil Painting Figures before Classical Buildings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Arcadian View Italian School, circa 1800 Grand Tour subject oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 12 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and sound cond...
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Early 1800s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Large 17th century Italian old master - Noli me tangere, Christ in the garden
By Pier Francesco Cittadini
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Large 17th Century Italian Old Master, The Garden - Noli me tangere, Pier Francesco Cittadini (attr.) Description In the stillness of a garden in bloom, Noli me tangere captures a p...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Figures in Winter Dutch Snow Landscape Large 19th Century Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Winter Landscape Dutch School, 19th century oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 22 x 28 inches canvas: 16.5 x 23 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very goo...
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19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Fine 1700's Italian Old Master Ink & Wash Drawing Roman Allegorical Providenza
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
'Providenza' Italian School, 18th century ink and wash drawing on paper, framed within a light oak wood frame (behind glass) image size: 10.5 x 7 inches overall framed: 17 x 13 inche...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Mid-16th-Century South German School, Portrait Of A Nobleman
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This historic mid-16th-century, half-length, South German School oil on panel depicts a gentleman wearing a fur-trimmed coat and black cap, while holding a small glass and, what appe...
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16th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood Panel, Panel, Oil

Antique Circular Oil Painting Flagellation of Christ, 18th Century Old Master
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Flagellation of Christ Italian, 18th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 15 x 14 inches Canvas : 12 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good conditio...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

18th century Dutch, with figures goats and sheep outside in a barn yard or farm
Located in Woodbury, CT
Unknown Artist (Dutch School, late 18th century) Pastoral Scene with Goatherds, ca. 1780–1800 Oil on canvas In this lively pastoral composition, a group of figures reclines in rusti...
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1790s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

17th Century by Pietro della Vecchia Bacchus and Ceres Oil on canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pietro della Vecchia (Vicenza, Italy, 1603 – Venice, Italy, 1678) Title: Bacchus and Ceres Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 109 x 130 cm – with frame 128 x 152 x 8 cm...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

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...
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Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Huge 18th Century Flemish Classical Oil Painting Travellers River Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Travellers in Landscape Flemish Old Master, 18th century oil on on canvas, unframed canvas : 29 x 39 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good condition For...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge Classical Old Master Oil Painting Ancient Roman Buildings Merchants Port
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Ancient Trading Port Italian Old Master, 18th century unsigned oil painting on canvas, in antique gilt frame of beautiful quality canvas: 32 x 33 inches framed: 37 x 38 inches co...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine Italian Old Master Oil Painting c. 1700's The Madonna Christ Child St. John
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian Old Master, circa 1700's period oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas: 28.5 x 24 inches conditon: overall very good for its age, a fe...
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Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Holy Family with the Young St John The Baptist and St Elizabeth
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Scipione Pulzone, called Il Gaetano (Gaeta 1544 - Rome 1598) Holy Family with the Young St John The Baptist and St Elizabeth Oil on canvas A Royal Coat of Arms lower left Canvas size...
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16th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Figures Chatting outside Village Tavern in Mountain Landscape, Period Oil
By 19th century Dutch or Flemish school
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Dutch/ Flemish School, early 1800's oil on canvas, framed framed: 19 x 24 inches canvas: 13.5 x 18.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: good and sound condition...
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Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Fine 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil on Panel Angelic Visitation to Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Angelic Visitation Dutch School, mid 17th century circle of Rembrandt (Dutch 1606-1669) oil on wooden panel, framed in faux tortoiseshell style frame. framed: 25 x 28.75 painting...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Very Large Antique French Classical Romantic Oil Painting Ancient Ruin Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, 19th century Title: Classical Landscape with figures amongst ancient ruins. Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed. canvas: 24.5 x 36 inches P...
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19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

17th Century Large Italian Old Master Oil Christ and the Penitent Canaanite
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
17th Century Italian School Christ and the Canaanite Woman oil on canvas, framed Framed: 30.5 x 35 inches in an antique gilt 'hollow' fra...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

17th Century French Old Master Oil Painting Classical Robed Semi Nude Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
17th century French School circle of Nicolas Poussin (French 1594-1665) "Figures in Arcadia" oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 16 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, England condition: very good and sound condition Nicolas Poussin was a renowned French painter of the 17th century. He is considered one of the greatest figures of classical French Baroque art...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

18th Century French Portrait of Mysterious Man Oil on Canvas for restoration
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Gentleman French School, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 25 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: the painting is in sound conditi...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Shipping in Calm Waters, 18th Century Dutch Oil on Wood Panel, Man o War
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Shipping in Calm Waters Dutch School, 18th century oil painting on wood panel panel: 10 x 12.75 inches framed: 14 x 17 inches condition: very good, minor evidenc...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Old Master Painting, Flemish School from 1600s, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Located in Stockholm, SE
This small Flemish painting, measuring only 24.5 x 18.5 cm and executed on a copper plate, depicts Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. Created in the 17th century, the artist remains unknow...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

17th century follower of Rubens, two military men on horse back in a landscape
Located in Woodbury, CT
17th century English/Dutch School, from the Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens A very interesting and well-painted 17th-century oil on canvas of two men seated on horseback in a landsc...
Category

1680s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Escuela Valenciana (XVIII), tras Juan de Juanes - Inmaculada Concepción
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra no va firmada El estado de conservación de puede ver, es bastante bueno, solo aconsejaría una limpieza ya que está un poco sucia, pero por lo demas, muy aceptable Se presen...
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Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Painting Oval Shape Figures in Tavern Interior
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tavern Interior Dutch School, 17th century oil on metal, framed framed: 8 x 6.75 inches painting: 6 x 4.25 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condit...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fine 17th Century Italian Old Master Oval Portrait of Lady on Copper Wooden Frm
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady (female saint?) Italian School, 17th century oil on copper, framed frame: 9 x 8 inches board: 5 x 4 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and ...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Naval Battle Engagement at Sea Large Busy Battle Scene Many Ships, Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
English School, early 20th century signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 17 x 24 inches provenance: private collection, Eng;and condition: good and sound condition, minor ...
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Early 20th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

HUGE 17thC ITALIAN OLD MASTER OIL PAINTING - KING & COURT FIGURES ROMAN BUILDING
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Italian School, 17th century. Title: A King and Queen before court figures, amidst a classical landscape with Roman columns. Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed ...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1600's Flemish Old Master Oil Painting The Virgin & Child Mastertpiece Work
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Virgin & Child Flemish School, circa 1600 circle of Cornelis van Cleve (Flemish c. 1520-1614), oil painting on canvas canvas: 37 x 30 inches provenance: private collection, Paris...
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Early 17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Painting Interior Scene Many Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Alms for the Poor by Richard Brakenburg (Flemish 1650-1702) oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 25 x 30 inches Provenance: private collection, France, extensively inscribed verso Conditi...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Large 18th Century European Oil Painting Portrait of Noble Lady Lace Collars
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Noble Lady European School, 18th century oil on canvas, framed framed: 37.5 inches canvas: 30 x 24.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good ...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Huge 18th Century Italian Oil Painting Shipping in Merchant Port Many Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Merchants Port Italian School, 18th century oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 37 x 58 inches canvas: 32 x 52 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good a...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

17th century Flemish school, Madonna with child and red Drapery. Oil/wood
Located in Firenze, IT
Madonna with Child and Red Drapery, Flemish School, Oil on Oak Panel, 17th Century Flemish School, 17th century Technique: oil on oak panel with 4 crossbars Dimensions: Height: 43...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil, Wood Panel, Board

CAVALRY BATTLE - Antonio Savisio -Neapolitan School Oil on canvas Painting
Located in Napoli, IT
Land battle - Antonio Savisio Italia 2006 - Oil on canvas cm.60x90. Gold leaf gilded wooden frame cm.92x122 Maestro Antonio Savisio drew inspiration from the masterpieces of the gr...
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Early 2000s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

King Charles 1st Antique Oil Painting Portrait of Famous British Monarch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
King Charles I British artist, early 20th century signed with initials oil on canvas, framed framed: 36 x 29 inches canvas: 32 x 26 inches provenance: p...
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Early 1900s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Still life
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Black wooden frame 37 x 45 x 3 cm
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Shipping in Stormy Waters, Attributed to Italian Artist Francesco Guardi
By Francesco Guardi
Located in Stockholm, SE
The splendour of the tragic sea Francesco Guardi and maritime painting in Venetian art No Venetian painter was a stranger to the sea. After all, Venice was not only one of the most prominent ports of the Mediterranean, but indeed a city literally submerged in the ocean from time to time. Curiously however, the famous Venetian school of painting showed little interest in maritime motifs, favouring scenes from the iconic architecture of the city rather than seascapes. That is why this painting is a particularly interesting window into not only the painter Francesco Guardi himself – but to the significance of the element of water in art history, in absence as well as in the centre of attention. Whether it be calm, sunny days with stunning views of the palaces alongside the canals of Venice or – more rarely – stormy shipwrecking tragedies at sea, water as a unifying element is integral to the works of painter Francesco Guardi (1712–1793). During his lifetime, Venetian art saw many of its greatest triumphs with names like Tiepolo or Canaletto gaining international recognition and firmly establishing Venice as one of the most vibrant artistic communities of Europe. While the city itself already in the 18th century was something of an early tourist spot where aristocrats and high society visited on their grand tour or travels, the artists too contributed to the fame and their work spread the image of Venice as the city of romance and leisure to an international audience, many of whom could never visit in person. Still today, the iconic image of Venice with its whimsical array of palaces, churches and other historic buildings is much influenced by these artists, many of whom have stood the test of time like very well and remain some of the most beloved in all of art history. It was not primarily subtility, intellectual meanings or moral ideals that the Venetian art tried to capture; instead it was the sheer vibrancy of life and the fast-paced city with crumbling palaces and festive people that made this atmosphere so special. Of course, Venice could count painters in most genres among its residents, from portraiture to religious motifs, history painting and much else. Still, it is the Vedutas and views of the city that seems to have etched itself into our memory more than anything else, not least in the tradition of Canaletto who was perhaps the undisputed master of all Venetian painters. Born into his profession, Francesco lived and breathed painting all his life. His father, the painter Domenico Guardi (1678–1716) died when Francesco was just a small child, yet both he and his brothers Niccolò and Gian Antonio continued in their fathers’ footsteps. The Guardi family belonged to the nobility and originated from the mountainous area of Trentino, not far from the Alps. The brothers worked together on more challenging commissions and supported each other in the manner typical of family workshops or networks of artists. Their sister Maria Cecilia married no other than the artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo himself, linking the family to the most renowned Venetian name of the time. During almost a decade, Guardi worked in the studio of Michele Giovanni Marieschi, sometimes simply known as Michiel, a painted similar in both style and motif. Canaletto is, however, the artist Guardi is most often compared to since they shared a mutual fascination for depicting the architecture and cityscape of Venice. During the course of his career, Guardi tried his hand in many different genres. He was as swift in painting landscapes, Vedutas of Venice, sacred motifs, interiors and architectural compositions as he was in a number of other motifs. His style is typical of the Venetian school but also distinct and personal once we look a little closer. There is an absolute certainty in the composition, the choice of which sometimes feels like that of a carefully calculated photograph – yet it is also very painterly, in the best sense of the word: fluid, bold, sensitive and full of character. The brushwork is rapid, intense, seemingly careless and extraordinarily minute at the same time; fresh and planned in a very enjoyable mixture. His interiors often capture the breath-taking spacious glamour of the palaces and all their exquisite decor. He usually constructed the motif through remarkably simple, almost spontaneous yet intuitively precise strokes and shapes. The result was a festive, high-spirited atmospheric quality, far away from the sterile and exact likeness that other painters fell victim to when trying to copy Canaletto. The painting here has nothing of the city of Venice in it. On the contrary, we seem to be transported far away into the solitary ocean, with no architecture, nothing to hold on to – only the roaring sea and the dangerous cliffs upon which the ships are just moments away from being crushed upon. It is a maritime composition evoking both Flemish and Italian precursors, in the proud tradition of maritime painting that for centuries formed a crucial part of our visual culture. This genre of painting is today curiously overlooked, compared to how esteemed and meaningful it was when our relationship to the sea was far more natural than it is today. When both people and goods travelled by water, and many nations and cities – Venice among them – depended entirely on sea fare, the existential connection to the ocean was much more natural and integrated into the imagination. The schools and traditions of maritime art are as manifold as there are countries connected to the sea, and all reflect the need to process the dangers and wonders of the ocean. It could symbolize opportunity, the exciting prospects of a new countries and adventures, prospering trade, beautiful scenery as well as war and tragedy, loss of life, danger and doom. To say that water is ambivalent in nature is an understatement, and these many layers were something that artists explored in the most wondrous ways. Perhaps it takes a bit more time for the modern eye to identify the different nuances and qualities of historic maritime paintings, they may on first impression seem hard to differentiate from each other. But when allowing these motifs to unfold and tell stories of the sea in both fiction and reality – or somewhere in between – we are awarded with an understanding of how the oceans truly built our world. In Guardi’s interpretation, we see an almost theatrically arranged shipwrecking scene. No less than five ships are depicted right in the moment of utter disaster. Caught in a violent storm, the waves have driven them to a shore of sharp cliffs and if not swallowed by the waves, crushing against the cliffs seems to be the only outcome. The large wooden ships are impressively decorated with elaborate sculpture, and in fact relics already during Guardi’s lifetime. They are in fact typical of Dutch and Flemish 17th century ships, giving us a clue to where he got the inspiration from. Guardi must have seen examples of Flemish maritime art, that made him curious about these particular motifs. One is reminded of Flemish painters like Willem van de Velde and Ludolf Backhuysen, and this very painting has indeed been mistakenly attributed to Matthieu van Plattenberg...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

18th century French Garden or Féte a Bride and musicians playing music
Located in Woodbury, CT
This enchanting 18th-century French fête galante captures the elegance and joy of aristocratic leisure, set amidst a lush garden adorned with flowers. A scene of refined celebration,...
Category

1780s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

17th Century Italian Old Master Oil - Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: 17th Century Italian School Title: The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed Size: canvas: 21” x 16” (53.3 x 40.8cm) Pro...
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17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fine 18th Century English Aristocratic Portrait of a Lady Oval Canvas Gilt Frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: English School, circa 1740's Title: Portrait of a Lady, traditionally identified as 'Anne of Chesterfield'. Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed Size: painting: ...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

17th Century Maestro della Flagellazione di Cesena Morra players Oil on canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Maestro della Flagellazione di Cesena, active in the second decade of the 17th century Title: The morra players Year: 1620 ca. Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 115 x ...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

San Joaquín, Santa Ana y la Virgen niña - óleo sobre cobre, SG XVIII
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Escuela española; siglo XVIII. San Joaquín, Santa Ana y la Virgen Niña. Es un Óleo sobre cobre anónimo y buena calidad pictórica. Medidas de la obra: 69 x 87 cm. Medidas del marc...
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18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Landscape with Nudes and Waterfall - Oil Paint - 17th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Landscape with nudes and waterfall is an old master artwork realized in the Mid 17th century by Artist belonging to the Roman School. Oil painting on canvas Includes a beautiful an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Spectacular Large 19th Century Italian Oil Painting of Jerusalem & Crucifixion
By Pietro Sassi
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
'Calvary' by Pietro Sassi (1834-1905). This monumental exhibition oil painting – which depicts the Light of Heaven shining upon Christ at Calvary with thousands of people outside t...
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fine 1700's Italian Old Master Ink & Wash Drawing Roman Allegorical India
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
'India' Italian School, 18th century ink and wash drawing on paper, framed within a light oak wood frame (behind glass) image size: 10.5 x 7 inches overall framed: 17 x 13 inches con...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Old Masters figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Old Masters 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, yellow and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Antonio Savisio, Goyo Dominguez, Paul Emile Léon Perboyre, and William Anderson. 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 Old Masters figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 4.53 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 $384 and tops out at $1,495,000, while the average work sells for $4,898.

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