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.
Fine Antique Italian Old Master Oil Painting Madonna of Sorrows
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna in Sorrow Italian School, mid 19th century after the 17th century Old Master oil painting by Sassoferrato (Uffizi, Florence) Oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 29.5 × 25 inches ...
Oil
$2,742
Saint Mary Magdalene - Oil on canvas - Framed - High pictorial quality
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
No hay ninguna firma ni inscripción La obra se presenta enmarcada (el marco presenta algunos signos de uso) Medidas obra: 55 x 45 cm. Medidas del marco: 71 x 59 cm. Buen estado e...
Oil
Fine 17thC British Portrait Aristocratic Lady Holding Flowers Huge Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady Holding Flowers in a Landscape Setting English School, 17th century, circle of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) inscribed 'C Wither of Hall Place' oil on ...
Oil
Venetian School, late 15th century, Saint Paul the Apostle
Located in Stockholm, SE
Venetian School, late 15th century Saint Paul the Apostle oil on panel unframed 44.5 × 23.5 cm (17.5 × 9.3 in) framed 64 × 42 cm (25.2 × 16.5 in) No signature Provenance: Private ...
Oil, Wood Panel
$7,421Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Pair 1700's Portraits of Moorish Prince and Princess in Carved Wood Frames
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Circle of Jean Baptiste Vanmour (French, 1671–1737) Portraits of a Moorish Prince and Princess c. 1700 Pair of oil paintings on canvas, unsigned framed in carved gilt wood frames D...
Canvas, Oil
$1,375Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 17th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Portrait of the Madonna
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of the Madonna in Prayer 17th Century Italian School oil on board, framed framed: 6.75 x 6 inches board: 5 x 4 inches Provenance: private collection, England Condition: ver...
Oil
$3,710Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Antique Oil Painting Portrait Fernando Álvarez de Toledo 3rd Duke of Alba
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Spanish School, early 20th century Portrait of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the 3rd Duke of Alba (1507-1582). after the 16th century painting by Anthonis Mors oil on panel, framed f...
Oil
Early 18th-Century Italian Venetian Portrait Painting Tempera on Glass
Located in Roma, IT
Early 18th-Century Italian Venetian Portrait Painting on Glass This wonderful early 18th-century portrait of a lady holding a small dog is a classic example of reverse glass painting...
Glass, Tempera
$982Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Large Oil Painting Portrait of the Lady with the Fan Diego Velazquez
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of the Lady with a Fan English School, second half 20th century after Diego Velazquez's (1599-1660) original painting oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas : 36 x 28 inche...
Oil
18th Century German Old Master Portrait of an Elderly Bearded Man
By Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich
Located in Stockholm, SE
Circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich (1712–1774) Germany Head of an Elderly Bearded Man oil on panel unframed 28 × 22.5 cm (11 × 8.9 in) framed 44.5 × 38.5 cm (17.5 × 15.2 in...
Oil, Wood Panel
$4,310Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Canvas, Oil
$3,765Sale Price|20% Off
The Madonna with Christ Child & St. John Fine 18th Century Italian Old Master
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian School, 18th century oil on wood, framed in period gilt antique frame framed: 16 x 14.5 inches wood: 9 x 6.5 inches provenance: private...
Oil
$8,199Sale Price|20% Off
Virgin Paint 17th Century Spanish School Oil on canvas Old master Religious
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Spanish school, 17th century The Immaculate Virgin with symbols of the Litany of Loreto Oil on canvas 101 x 76 cm. In an antique frame (slight imperfections) 117 x 90 cm. ...
Oil
$2,182Sale Price|20% Off
Very Large Antique French Old Master Oil Painting after Rembrandt, self portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, 19th century, after the earlier work by Rembrandt Title: Self portrait of the artist Medium: oil on canvas, framed in antique gilt swept frame. Fra...
Oil
$9,151Sale Price|20% Off
Saint Catherine Curradi Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Religious
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Francesco Curradi, known as Battiloro (Florence 1570–1661) Saint Catherine of Alexandria oil on canvas Dimensions: 81 x 61 cm / with frame 93 x 73 cm. This exquisite painti...
Oil
$3,710Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 17th Century English Old Master Oil Painting Portrait Aristocratic Lady
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Young English Aristocratic Lady English, circa 1670's period, unsigned oil on canvas laid on board, unframed canvas: 30 x 25 inches Provenance: private collection, UK C...
Oil, Canvas
$2,128Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Oil, Canvas
$1,293Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Oil
$6,284
17th-Century Flemish Oil - Saint Barbara, A Symbol of Protection and Resilience
Located in Aartselaar, BE
17th century Flemish School, Saint Barbara This accomplished 17th-century Flemish oil painting depicts Saint Barbara, shown as a serene and powerful woman dressed in a luminous red gown, set against a warm, atmospheric background and proudly holding her traditional attribute; a tower. The invention of the present composition stems from 17th century Antwerp and was likely drawn by Theodoor van Thulden...
Canvas, Oil
Couple Portraits Warlord Saint Sebastian 16/17Century Oil on table Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Pair of ceiling panels Portrait of a Warlord / Portrait of Saint Sebastian Bonifacio Bembo (Brescia, 1420 – Milan, 1480) Follower of Oil on panel (each) 43 x 43 cm. Framed 55...
Oil
Fine Old Master Portrait of Wilhelm Burggraeff after Rembrandt Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Wilhelm Burggraeff German School, after Rembrandt van Rijn inscribed verso oil on board, framed Framed size: 17 x 14 inches Board size: 15 x 12 inches Provenance: private...
Oil
Fine 17th Century English Master Oil Painting Mother & Two Children Portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Mother with Two Children Reading English School (17th century). Canvas: 29 × 25 inches Medium: oil on canvas, unframed. Provenance: private collection, UK. Condition: good overall co...
Oil
$14,262Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait Noblewoman Coello Paint 16/17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Spain
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Alonso Sánchez Coello (Valencia, 1531 – Madrid, 1588) Workshop of Portrait of a Noblewoman Oil on canvas 100 x 70 cm. - In an antique frame, 120 x 92 cm. This portrait, ric...
Oil
$3,546Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Oil
Portrait of Elizabeth Rooper, Lady Dryden in Blue Wrap, Exceptional Carved Frame
By Charles Jervas
Located in London, GB
Portrait of Elizabeth Rooper, later Lady Dryden in a Vivid Blue Mantle, Exceptional Carved Frame c.1725-30 Circle of Charles Jervas (c.1675-1739) Few English portraits of the early ...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Spanish Noble Lady - 17th Century Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This stunning, large portrait oil painting is attributed to Spanish Old Master Claudio Coello who is considered the last great Spanish painter of the 17th century. It has formerly been the property of Lady Beatrice...
Oil Crayon
Portrait of a Gentleman, Marc de Beauvau-Craon, Prince of Craon, Oil on Canvas
By Hyacinthe Rigaud
Located in London, GB
Portrait of Marc de Beauvau-Craon, Prince of Craon (1679–1754), 18th Century After Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743) Few early eighteenth-century portraits unite such imposing decorative...
Canvas, Oil
$21,987Sale Price|20% Off
Venus Adonis Giaquinto Paint 18th Century Oil on canvas Old master Italian Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Corrado Giaquinto (Naples, 1703 – Naples, 1765) Venus tries to dissuade Adonis from going hunting Oil on canvas 131 x 100 cm. – With an important period frame (imperfections, mi...
Oil
$10,913
Portrait of a Sixty Year Old Woman - Dutch Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This strong Dutch Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to a follower of Anthony Van Dyck. Van Dyck painted the original portrait in 1618 as he noted top right Anno 1618. He...
Oil
Portrait of a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath, c. 1725-35
Located in Edinburgh, Scotland
Joseph Highmore (London 1692-1780 Canterbury) Portrait of a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath, c. 1725-35 Previously identified as Charles Whitworth, 1st Earl Whitworth (1752...
Oil
$22,850
Portrait of Sarah Bodvile, Countess of Radnor in a Russet Dress, Manor House
Located in London, GB
Portrait of Sarah Bodvile (c.1640–1720), later Countess of Radnor, c.1660 Studio of Sir Peter Lely (1618–1680) Oil on canvas Few Restoration portraits combine beauty, biography and ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,964Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Old Master Oil Painting Christ Healing the Sick in 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...
Oil
Rebel - Oil on Canvas Figurative Painting, 40h x 30w in, Signed, 2026
By Bruno Surdo
Located in Chicago, IL
A contemporary cowboy is rendered with the gravity of a classical male nude. Surdo treats the body with the care of an Old Master while layering in the mythology of American masculin...
Canvas, Oil
Madonna and Child - Italian 17th century religious Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This beautiful Italian religious Old Master oil painting is attributed to circle of Massimo Stanzione. Painted circa 1640, the composition is the Madonna holding baby Jesus as he sta...
Oil
$1,418Sale Price|86% Off
French Old Master The Garden of Gethsemane Unusual Shape Panel
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, 18th century Title: The Garden of Gethsemane Medium: oil painting on wooden panel, unframed. painting: measurem...
Oil
Portrait of an artistic Gentleman, c. 1720s
Located in Edinburgh, Scotland
John Vanderbank (London 1694-1739 London) Portrait of an artistic Gentleman, c. 1720s Three-quarter-length, wearing a turban Oil on canvas 125.5 x 101.7 cm.; (within frame) 145.6 ...
Oil
Portrait of a gentleman, standing full length, wearing a blue jacket, waistcoat
By Arthur Devis
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Circle of Arthur Devis (1712-1787) Portrait of a gentleman, standing full length, wearing a blue jacket, waistcoat and breeches, at a desk in a library Oil on canvas Signed lower cen...
Canvas, Oil
18th Century Oil on Canvas Portrait, Major Alexander Brown in Military Uniform.
By Sir David Wilkie
Located in Cotignac, FR
18th Century Military portrait of a young officer in Napoleonic period military dress. The painting is not signed but the subject is Major Alexander Brown. The work is oil on canvas later mounted on board and presented in a fine 'Regence style' carved gilt frame. There are labels to the back referring to the subject, 'Major Brown of Trinity' and a framers trade label from Edinburgh. A magnificent and imposing portrait of a young military officer in the prime of his life. His red uniform adorned with fine buttons, fringed epaulettes and high gilt collar. His ruddy complexion offset by his stylish hair, a quiff and swept forward to the sides as was the fashion at the time. Sir David Wilkie RA (18 November 1785 – 1 June 1841) was a Scottish painter, especially known for his portraits, including formal royal ones, and scenes from his travels to Europe and the Middle East. He painted successfully in a wide variety of genres, including historical scenes. His main base was in London, but he died and was buried at sea, off Gibraltar, returning from his first trip to the Middle East. He was sometimes known as the "people's painter". He was Principal Painter in Ordinary to King William IV and Queen Victoria. Apart from royal portraits, his best-known painting today is probably The Chelsea Pensioners Reading the Waterloo Dispatch of 1822 in Apsley House. Sir David Wilkie was actually admitted in 1799 (despite only being 14) through the influence of the Earl of Leven...
Canvas, Oil, Board
$10,100Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait Noblewoman Van Loo Paint 18th Century Oil on canvas Old master French
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Jean-Baptiste van Loo (Aix-en-Provence, 1684–1745) circle Portrait of a Lady Oil on canvas 93 x 77 cm. In antique frames (with imperfections) 103 x 87 cm. The painting depicts...
Oil
A portrait of a French Lady as Flora, Paris, 1710, 18th century, oil on canvas
Located in PARIS, FR
A Young Lady as Flora Attributed to Jacob van Schuppen (Fontainebleau, 1670 – Vienna, 1751) Paris, France, circa 1710, early 18th century Oil on canvas: 46 × 36 cm Louis XIV-period c...
Canvas, Oil
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Spanish Old Master Oil on Wood Panel, Head Portrait of Christ
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: 18/19th Century Spanish School Title :Head study of Christ Medium: oil painting on wood panel, period gilt framed panel : 6 x 5 inches Provenance: private collect...
Oil
18th Century Italian Portrait Credited to Maria Giovanna Battista Clementi
Located in Roma, IT
18th Century Italian Portrait Credited to Maria Giovanna Battista Clementi The painting probably depicts a young nobleman of Savoy court ...
Oil, Canvas
17th Century Netherlandish Portrait of Gentleman with Ruff c.1620
Located in Stockholm, SE
Provenance: The Raeburn Gallery, as by Maerten de Vos; Bukowskis, Stockholm, 15–18 April 1970, lot 133, as in the manner of Anthony van Dyck; Private collection, Sweden Essay: This ...
Oil, Wood Panel
An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier
By David Morier
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
David Morier (c.1705–1770 London) An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier (1680–1770) Oil on canvas Canvas size - 40 x 50 in Framed size - 48 ...
Oil
$11,288Sale Price|20% Off
Archangel Michael Reni Paint 17/18th Century Oil on canvas Old master Religious
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Archangel Michael Guido Reni (Bologna 1575–1642) Follower of 17th–18th century Oil on canvas 134 x 96 cm. - Framed 147 x 108 cm. The work in question, of excellent qual...
Oil
Escuela Italiana (XIX) - Judith (Según Cristofano Allori)
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra no va firmada El estado de conservación es bueno Se presenta enmarcada la obra con un marco posterior a la obra Medidas de la obra: 40 cm. de altura x 33 cm. de ancho. Me...
Oil
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Old Masters European Antique Oval Portrait of a Woman
By (After) Peter Paul Rubens
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful portrait of a young woman in the manner of Peter Paul Rubens. Oil on oval canvas measuring 12 7/8 x 16 inches. Unsigned. Canvas was originally painted for rectangular for...
Linen, Oil
$14,187Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of a Gentleman with his Dog - Possibly Abraham Tucker. Oil on Canvas
By Enoch Seeman
Located in St. Albans, GB
Enoch Seeman - 1894 - 1744 Provenance: Christies King Street Canvas Size: 50 x 40" (127 x 102cm) Outside Frame Size: 58 x 48" (147 x 122cm) An excellent example of Seeman's work. ...
Oil
$8,200Sale Price|20% Off
Queen Sofonisba Portrait Nuvolone Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (Milan 1609 – Milan 1662), attributed The Suicide of Queen Sofonisba Oil on canvas 76 x 60 cm. - In frame 100 x 85 cm. This painting captures the tr...
Oil
$19,012Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait Ferdinando II Sustermans Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Giusto (or Justus) Sustermans (Antwerp, 1597 – Florence, 1681) Workshop of Portrait of Ferdinando II de' Medici (1610–1670), Grand Duke of Tuscany Oil on canvas 133 x 97 cm Fram...
Oil
$2,182Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Large 17th/ 18th Century English Portrait of Mr. Gilbert Charity Founder
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Mr. Gilbert (believed to be the founder of 'Gilberts Charity, Bridgwater, Somerset) English School artist, late 17th/ early 18th century oil...
Oil, Canvas
Portrait of Lady in Silver Dress - Dutch Old Master art portrait oil painting
By Willem Wissing
Located in Hagley, England
This lovely Dutch Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Willem Wissing. Wissing settled in England and emerged as Peter Lely's most important pupil after his de...
Oil
Portrait of a Gentleman, James Douglas, Lord Aberdour, Fine Period Carved Frame
Located in London, GB
This exceptionally handsome and imposing portrait is a particularly accomplished example of British grand-manner portraiture of the early Georgian period. Preserved in excellent over...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of King Charles I, in Armour, after Sir Anthony van Dyck, Carved framed
Located in London, GB
This handsome and unusually intimate image of King Charles I brings one of Sir Anthony van Dyck’s most commanding royal inventions into a scale ideally suited to private display. Aga...
Canvas, Oil, Wood Panel
$5,599
ARCHITETTURE ANIMATE - Olio su tela alla maniera di Giovanni Paolo Pannini
Located in Napoli, IT
Le scenografie di questo genere pittorico, chiamate "rovine", erano solitamente animate da diversi personaggi e storie; un tema tipico tra questi è il capriccio con rovine e oratore ...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of Young Girl feeding Chickens - British 19th century art oil painting
By William Owen
Located in Hagley, England
This lovely 19th century Old Master portrait oil painting is by noted British artist William Owen. Painted circa 1810 the composition is a young girl kneeling to feed her chickens in...
Oil
$3,164Sale Price|20% Off
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: ...
Canvas, Oil
$21,983Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait Noblewoman Kneller 17/18th Century Paint Oil on canvas Old master Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723) Portrait of an English noblewoman, presumably Mary Capel, Countess of Essex (1679–1726) Oil on canvas 128 x 104 cm. In frame 146 x...
Oil
$9,389Sale Price|20% Off
Saint Sebastian Petrazzi Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Siena Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Saint Sebastian Attributed to Astolfo Petrazzi (Siena, 1583–1665) Oil on canvas 88 x 64 cm. Framed 98 x 76 cm. The painting in question depicts an intense portrait of Sain...
Oil
$10,100Sale Price|20% Off
Announcing Angel Fetti Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Italy Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
The Announcing Angel Lucrina Fetti, née Giustina Fetti (Rome, c. 1590 – Mantua, 1673) attributed to Oil on canvas 75 x 62 cm. - Antique gilded wooden frame 87 x 74 cm. The wo...
Oil