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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
Artist: Unknown
Vedutist Venetian painter - 19th century Venice view painting - Oil on panel
Located in Varmo, IT
Venetian painter (late 19th century) - Venice, view of the Riva degli Schiavoni with carnival masks. 30 x 40 cm without frame, 46 x 53 cm with frame. Oil on panel, in a carved and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Baroque Italian painter - Set of four 18th century figure paintings - Evangelist
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (early 18th century) - Four Evangelists. 25.5 x 19 cm without frame, 29 x 22.5 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on panel. in wooden frames. Condition report: In...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

18th or 19th Century Follower of Rubens. Judith and the Head of Holofernes. Oil
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Late 18th or Early 19th Century Continental follower of Peter Paul Rubens. Flemish ( b.1577 - d.1640 ). Judith and the Head of Holofernes. Oil on Canvas. Image size 31.1 inches x 23...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Italian Vanitas painter - 19th century figure painting - Memento Mori
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (19th century) - Memento Mori. 43 x 67 cm without frame, 48.5 x 72.5 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on wood, in a wooden frame. Condition report: Original can...
Category

Late 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

The Knight - painting - XVII century
Located in Roma, IT
The Knight is an original oil painting on canvas realized during the XVII century by an anonymous artist. Provenance: Pecci-Blunt collection. Good condition...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Romantic Italian painter - 19th century figure painting - Lutist - Oil on canvas
Located in Varmo, IT
Romantic painter (19th century) - The Lutist. 72 x 57 cm without frame, 85.5 x 69.5 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a gilded wooden frame. Condition report: Orig...
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Manner of Guido Reni (1575-1642) The Prophecy of Simeon Large Antique Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Manner of Guido Reni (1575-1642) Italian Title: The Prophecy of Simeon Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed Painting: 21.5 ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Pair of Exceptional Italian 18th Century Still-Life Paintings
Located in Rome, IT
This pair of excellent Italian still life oil on canvas with flowers and fruit with classical ruins on the background and colored drapes create harmony of the composition. Notable ...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Antique Dutch painter - Pair of 19th century figure paintings - Interior Tavern
Located in Varmo, IT
Dutch painter (19th century) – Interior of a tavern with smokers. 21 x 18 cm without frames, 31 x 28 cm with frames. Pair of antique oil paintings on canvas, in black lacquered woo...
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

British Animal painter - 18th century horses painting - Oil on panel figure
Located in Varmo, IT
English painter (18th century) - Horses at the river. 53 x 70 cm without frame, 67 x 86 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on wood, in a carved and gilded wooden frame. Condition...
Category

1770s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Baroque Dutch painter - Late 18th century figure painting - Inn Interior - Oil o
Located in Varmo, IT
Dutch painter (18th-19th century) - The spanking. 60 x 99 cm without frame, 67 x 106 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on wood, without frame. Condition report: Wooden support s...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Jesus with the ball of the world and the saints
Located in MADRID, ES
Peruvian 18 century Spanish colonial
Category

1720s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

17th Century French School, Saint John the Baptist, oil on copper
Located in Paris, FR
17th Century French School Saint John the Baptist in a landscape oil on copper 17 x 11.5 cm In good condition except very small loss of painting in the lower left part In a modern f...
Category

1680s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Antique Italian painter - 18th-19th century figure painting - Oil on canvas
Located in Varmo, IT
Bolognese painter (18th-19th century) - Maddalena. 70 x 50 cm without frame, 89 x 69 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden frame. Condition ...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique Italian painter - 19th century large figure painting - Virgin child
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (19th century) - Madonna and Child. 100 x 100 cm without frame, 121.5 x 121.5 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden frame. C...
Category

Late 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique Italian painter - 18th century figure painting - Saint crucifix
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (18th century) - Saint with crucifix. 65 x 50 cm without frame, 78 x 64 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a gilded wooden frame. Condition report: ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

c. 1900 Catholic Painting of Madonna and Child Enthroned
Located in Larchmont, NY
Madonna and Child Enthroned, c. 1900 Oil/tempera on canvas 42 1/2 x 20 3/4 in. Framed: 45 3/8 x 23 1/2 x 4 1/4 in.
Category

Early 1900s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Follower of Pietro da Cortona- 18th-19th century painting - Venus Aeneas - Italy
Located in Varmo, IT
Follower of Pietro da Cortona (18th-19th century) - Venus appears to Aeneas as a huntress. 50 x 60 cm without frame, 80.5 x 90 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a c...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Dutch School, 17th Century, Shipping in a Stiff Breeze, a City Beyond
Located in Stockholm, SE
We are delighted to present a significant piece from the Dutch School, most likely dating back to the late 17th century. This captivating painting showcases the dynamic force of nature with three ships vigorously navigating through stormy waters. The foreground is a scene of nautical struggle, as figures are depicted working intensely with the sails, steering, and bracing against the tumultuous sea. In the serene background, the silhouette of a quaint town emerges, with spires from churches and the outlines of various buildings is visible. This juxtaposition of the calm town against the chaotic foreground serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life and nature. Dominating the canvas, the sky occupies two-thirds of the painting, filled with brooding clouds that occasionally break to reveal patches of blue. The presence of birds adds a dynamic element to the otherwise ominous atmosphere. While the artist remains unknown, the work is quintessentially Dutch in its execution, with meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of maritime life. The painting's oval shape is quite distinctive and is complemented by a suitably antique octagonal black frame, which adds to its historical charm. This piece is a testament to the mastery of Dutch maritime painting...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oak, Oil, Wood Panel

Vedustist painter (Veneto school) - 19th century landscape painting - Padova
Located in Varmo, IT
Venetian painter (19th century) - Padua, Porta Liviana. 37.5 x 48.5 cm without frame, 50.5 x 60 cm with frame. Oil on canvas, in a carved wooden frame. Condition report: Good stat...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Italian painter (Copper plate) - 18th century figure painting - Flagellation
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (18th century) - Flagellation. 17 x 15 cm without frame, 21 x 19 cm with frame. Ancient alium painting on copper, in a gilded wooden frame. Condition report: The m...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

Virgen del Carmen
Located in Miami, FL
Colonial School, Mexico, XVIII Century "Virgen del Carmen" Oil on canvas 70 x 40 in
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Romantic Italian painter - 19th landscape painting - Moonlight - Oil on canvas
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (early 19th century) - Moonlight landscape with fire. 76 x 61 cm. Antique oil painting on canvas, without frame. Condition report: Original canvas. Good state of c...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

San Francisco Javier
Located in Miami, FL
Colonial School, Mexico, XVIII Century "San Francisco Javier" Oil on canvas 18 x 14 in.
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique Roman painter - 18th century landscape painting - Wanderers - Italy
Located in Varmo, IT
Roman painter (18th century) - Landscape with wayfarers. 43.5 x 34.5 cm without frame, 58.5 x 49.5 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in carved and gilded wooden frame....
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Religious painter (Italian school) - Early 19th figure painting - Virgin Madonna
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (early 19th century) - Mater Dolorosa. 37 x 33 cm without frame, 53 x 48 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on canvas, in an ancient carved and gilded wooden frame...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

La Anunciación
Located in Miami, FL
Anonymous Artist "La Anunciación" from the 18th Century. Oil on Copper 21.5 x 15.7 inches Perfect Condition It represents the moment when Mary accepts the divine designs transmitted by the archangel Saint...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

Classicist Italian painter - 19th century figure painting - Roman Allegory
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (18th-19th century) - Roman allegory. 74 x 60 cm without frame, 81 x 67 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in wooden frame. Condition report: Lined can...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Realist British painter - 19th century figure painting - Tavern interior
Located in Varmo, IT
English painter (19th century) - Interior of a tavern. 58 x 76 cm without frame, 75 x 91 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on canvas, in a wooden frame and gilded plaster (some b...
Category

Late 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

19thc century classical French portrait sketch of a North African mans head
Located in Woodbury, CT
Outstanding small oil on velum sketch of a North African/ Arab head study. The painting is a classic sketch and I'm sure the figure would have been used in a much larger finished w...
Category

1850s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Girl with a pen
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

17th century European oil, Christ and his disciples seated around a table.
Located in Woodbury, CT
17th century European oil, Christ and is disciples seated around a table. An interesting and very unique painting. Possibly a fragment originally from a piece of furniture. The s...
Category

1650s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

19th Century Spanish Impressionist Painting
Located in Larchmont, NY
Mystery Spanish Artist Untitled, c. 1800s Oil on canvas 8 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.
Category

19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Italian painter - Late 18th century figure painting - Allegory of Peace - Metal
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (18th century) - Flagellation. 17 x 15 cm without frame, 21 x 19 cm with frame. Ancient alium painting on copper, in a gilded wooden frame. Condition report: The m...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Metal

Pair of Exceptional Italian 18th Century Still-Life Paintings
Located in Rome, IT
This pair of excellent Italian still life oil on canvas with flowers and fruit with classical ruins on the background and colored drapes create harmony of the composition. Notable ...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Roundel depicting St. Catherine
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Unknown French Art and Workshop, Middle 15th century Roundel depicting St. Catherine (?) Gouache, ink gold wash and gold burnishing on vellum Book of Hours folio attributed to the C...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gouache, Pigment

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...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

Pastoral scene
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Flemish School, 17th Century, Mary Magdalene
Located in Stockholm, SE
Flemish School, 17th Century Mary Magdalene oil on copper 17th century plate dimensions 23 x 17 cm frame 27 x 22 cm Restored by professional art conservator 2022. Provenance: ...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

Old Master Eglomise Painting of Saint John the Baptist 18th Century
Located in Rochester, NY
18th century continental eglomise painting of St John the Baptist preaching. Eglomise is a method of reverse painting on glass. In a go...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Glass, Paint

Animated fishing scene
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 64 x 82.5 x 7 cm
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Old Master Painting of Christ 17th/18th Century Italian School
Located in Rochester, NY
The crucifixion of Crist Italian school 17th or 18th century. Beautiful detail in the face and hands. The lighting makes the figure of Crist seem to glow. In a good quality later frame. Presented by Joseph Dasta Antiques...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Oil

Penitent Mary Magdelane c1750 Oil on Copper
Located in Holywell, GB
A finely painted picture, possibly of the penitent Mary Magdelane, painted in oil on to a copper plate and dating to c1750. Condition Two old touch ins, tiny chip to the forehead...
Category

1750s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Vedutist Venetian painter - 19th century landscape painting - Venice view Italy
Located in Varmo, IT
Venetian painter (dated 1869) - Venice, view of Palazzo Sanudo Soranzo van Axel ai Miracoli. 44.5 x 37.5 cm without frame, 59 x 51 cm with frame. Oi...
Category

Late 19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The peace of your nights descends into their thoughts
Located in Genève, GE
Work on paper mounted on wood 35.5 x 45.5 x 2 cm
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

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

Landscape With Pan and Syrinx, Flemish School From the 1600s, Oil on Copper
Located in Stockholm, SE
Flemish School, 1600s Landscape With Pan and Syrinx painted around the 1600s oil on copper 19 x 23.5 cm frame 29 x 34 cm Hand-made oak frame by Swedish frame maker Christer Björkma...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

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...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Turn of the 20th Century French tryptic depicting the Annunciation with 2 saints
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A. Lion (French, c. 1900) A tryptic depicting the Annunciation flanked by two Saints Signed “A. LION” (to the left of Mary) Oil on board Framed dimensions 23. ½ x 37. ½ in. (60 x 95...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Board, Oil

17th Century English Portrait of Admiral Horatio Nelson's great grandfather
Located in Norwich, GB
A fascinating portrait dating from circa 1695-1700 with wonderful provenance: it belonged to the British industrialist Leonard Pelham Lee (1903–1980) and hung in his manor house in W...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid 19th Century "Susanna And The Elders" After The Old Master by Martinelli
Located in San Francisco, CA
Outstanding Mid 19th century old master "Susanna and the Elders" after Martinelli Brilliant old master painting of Susanna and the Elders. Original oil on canvas. Dimensions 26.5" ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Spanish School 19th century, Santa Justa and Santa Rufina, oil on canvas
Located in Paris, FR
Spanish School of the 19th Century Santa Justa and Santa Rufina Oil on canvas 40 x 27 cm In quite good condition, the paint surface presents numerous crack...
Category

1840s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Manner of Guido Reni (1575-1642) Saint Joseph and the Christ Child Oil on Metal
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Saint Joseph and the Christ Child" Manner of Guido Reni (1575-1642) Italian. Oil on Copper, Unframed painting: 9.35 x 7.25 inches Condition ...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Large Dutch School, 18th Century oil painting, Merry making at the encampment
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Dutch School, 18th Century Merry making at an encampment Oil on canvas 30.1/8 x 46 in. (76.8 x 116.8 cm.)
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

School of Liege, The Martyrdom of St Paul, A Religious Portrait
Located in Lincoln, GB
School of Liège, mid-17th century The Martyrdom of St Paul oil on canvas 57 3/4 by 42 3/8 in.; 146.8 by 107.6 cm. PROVENANCE J.J. Chapuis (red wax seal...
Category

Mid-17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Due teste di Apostoli
Located in Balerna, TI
Seguace di Peter Paul Rubens, Due teste di apostoli Metà del XVII secolo, Olio su tela, cm 47,5x61 Il dipinto raffigura due teste di anziani ed è collocabile in ambito fiammingo. Potrebbe trattarsi del ritratto di due sapienti dell’ antichità , e in particolare di due filosofi caratterizzati da atteggiamenti opposti: quello di sinistra con lo sguardo verso terra, potrebbe ricordare Aristotele; quello di destra, con lo sguardo rivolto verso il cielo, il suo maestro Platone. In alternativa va presa in considerazione l’ ipotesi, forse più probabile, che si tratti di uno studio su due teste di apostoli che trovano posto nella zona inferiore dell’ assunzione della Vergine. // Follower of Peter Paul Rubens, Two Heads of Apostles Mid 17th century, Oil on canvas, 47.5x61 cm The painting depicts two heads of elderly people and can be placed in the Flemish context. It could be the portrait of two scholars of antiquity, and in particular of two philosophers...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique Italian School Late 17th - Early 18th "Cherubs (A)" Pen drawing of Putti
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"Cherubs" (A) Pen and Ink drawing of Putto Italian School Late 17th early 18th century. Pen and ink on paper 6 ½ x 17 ½ (22 ½ x 11 ½) inches Antique scenes of putto and a faun cele...
Category

Late 17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Pen

St Paul With Sword and Book, Mannerist School, Oil on Copper
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mannerism, derived from the Italian term "maneria," which simply means "style," was an artistic movement that emerged in the later years of the Italian High Renaissance, around 1520, and extended into the early 17th century. It is often referred to as the "stylish style" due to its emphasis on self-conscious artifice rather than realistic depiction. Historians debate whether Mannerism should be classified as a style, a movement, or a period. In contrast to the harmonious ideals embraced by renowned artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, Mannerist painters took a step further and created compositions that were almost bizarre. They introduced fresh color schemes, elongated proportions, and exaggerated anatomy of figures, portraying them in convoluted and serpentine poses. These artists skillfully exhibited their techniques and abilities, aiming to evoke a sense of sophisticated elegance. Among the notable Mannerist painters are Jacopo da Pontormo, Bronzino, Lavinia Fontana...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Copper

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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