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Academic Paintings

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. 

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Style: Academic
“Flowers in Classical Urn”
“Flowers in Classical Urn”

“Flowers in Classical Urn”

By Edward Chalmers Leavitt

Located in Southampton, NY

Very fine example of the artistry of the master still life painter of his day, Edward Chalmers Leavitt. Signed lower left and dated 1875. Condition is very good. Provenance: Christie’s Auction, New York, December 2, 1992, lot 228. Overall in period replica gold leaf deep cove gallery frame 25.75 by 17.75 inches. Edward C. Leavitt (1842-1904) worked in Providence but is also associated with the Fall River School of still life painting through the influence of, and affinity of his style to, the work of Robert S. Dunning. Leavitt was a student of landscape painter James Morgan Lewin, a founder of Providence’s artistic “group of 1855.” Leavitt’s work is known for its realism, rich coloration, sharp focus and careful finish. His paintings of fruit and flowers incorporate ornate decorative pieces such as silver or bronze ewers, salvers, tankards, or plates on carved and polished tables. Leavitt was a prolific artist, exhibiting frequently at the National Academy of Design, the Boston Art Club, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His work inspired other still life painters in Providence, resulting in that city’s own still life tradition, including artists such as John Clinton Spencer, Bryant Chapin...

Category

1870s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

19th Century gouache of a visit to Pompei on the Grand Tour
19th Century gouache of a visit to Pompei on the Grand Tour

19th Century gouache of a visit to Pompei on the Grand Tour

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Neapolitan school (early 19th Century) A visit to Pompei on the the Grand Tour Gouache on paper Inscribed ‘Porzione del quartiere a Pompei’ and ‘In Nap...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Sans titre (1881), James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A.
Sans titre (1881), James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A.

Sans titre (1881), James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A.

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A. (1816-1877) Title: Sans titre (1881) Year: 1881 Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 37 x 29 inches Inscription: Hand signed and dated, recto Provenance...

Category

1880s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

1974 oil painting still life of squashes and glass  by British George Weissbort
1974 oil painting still life of squashes and glass  by British George Weissbort

1974 oil painting still life of squashes and glass by British George Weissbort

By George Weissbort

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

George Weissbort (Belgian / British, 1928 – 2013) SQUASHES AND A GLASS OF WATER Oil on canvasboard 18.1/4 x 21.3/8 in. (46.3 x 55.4 cm.) George Weissbort was born in Brussels in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

“Return from the Field”
“Return from the Field”

“Return from the Field”

Located in Southampton, NY

Oil on canvas backed onto wooden board of a worker with a scythe returning home from a day of labor. In a picturesque Swiss village. The painting is attributed to the hand of Karl Adolph Weber, the Swiss artist. Signed “K. Weber” lower right. Circa 1935. The painting is a contemporary wood frame in a mahogany finish. Overall framed measurements are 19 by 15.25 inches. Provenance: A Sarasota, Florida collector. Karl Adolph Weber was a Swiss artist born in 1899 and died in 1978 known for his rural landscapes and figurative paintings of Switzerland...

Category

1930s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

“French Cavaliers”
“French Cavaliers”

“French Cavaliers”

Located in Southampton, NY

Oil on wooden panel painting of horse riding French cavaliers in battle. Signed lower left. Not dated. Original period gilded frame in fine condition. Painting has been recently professionally cleaned. Painting and frame circa 1875. Overall framed measurements are 16 by 14 inches. Condition of the painting is very good. Provenance: Saint Petersburg, Florida estate. Charles Michel Guilbert D'anelle was a pupil of Horace Vernet ( known for his military paintings...

Category

1870s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

“Dead Gull”
“Dead Gull”

John Duncan“Dead Gull”, 1902

$1,200Sale Price|50% Off

“Dead Gull”

By John Duncan

Located in Southampton, NY

In original gold leaf pierced frame Signed and dated lower right 1902 Sight size 7.5 x 9.5 in

Category

Early 1900s Academic Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Landscape, Paysage aux Bories
Landscape, Paysage aux Bories

Landscape, Paysage aux Bories

By Pierre Lavarenne

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: Pierre Lavarenne (French, born 1928) Title: Landscape, Paysage aux Bories Year: Circa 1975 Medium: Oil on canvas Canvas size: 15 x 18.25 inches Signature: Signed lo...

Category

Late 20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

Classic Still Life with Fan and Flowers
Classic Still Life with Fan and Flowers

Classic Still Life with Fan and Flowers

Located in New York, NY

Still Life, 20th Century Oil on board Sight: 16 1/4 x 19 in. Framed: 19 3/4 x 22 1/4 x 1 in.

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

“Puerta Bisagra, Toledo”
“Puerta Bisagra, Toledo”

“Puerta Bisagra, Toledo”

Located in Southampton, NY

Oil on artist board painting of the historic city of Toledo by the Australian artist, Robert Camm. Signed lower left and titled and dated verso, 1931. Th...

Category

1930s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Mexican School Mother and Child
Mexican School Mother and Child

Mexican School Mother and Child

Located in San Francisco, CA

Beautiful Mexican school painting of a mother carrying her child. It is a mixed medium on paper using what looks to be oil paint as well as oil, crayon and or pastel. Wonderfully exe...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon, Oil

19th Century French oil painting of a nymph playing pipes, a female nude
19th Century French oil painting of a nymph playing pipes, a female nude

19th Century French oil painting of a nymph playing pipes, a female nude

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Charles Cres (French, 1850-1907) A Wood Nymph playing the pipes signed and dated `Ch. Crès/ 1884’ (lower right) oil on canvas 25.7/8 x 15.1/2 in. (65.8 x 39.4 cm.) Charles Cres was born in Briare in the province of Loiret. As early as 1875 he exhibited at the annual Paris Salon and was subsequently awarded...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Óleo sobre tela - Retrato de dama con tocado floral
Óleo sobre tela - Retrato de dama con tocado floral

Óleo sobre tela - Retrato de dama con tocado floral

Located in Sant Celoni, ES

La obra no va firmada Se presenta sin enmarcar la pintura El estado de la pintura se puede ver, está bastante craquelada y está reentelada Medidas de la obra: 59 x 45 cm.

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

A. Costa  Woman  original Figurative academician drawing painting
A. Costa  Woman  original Figurative academician drawing painting

A. Costa Woman original Figurative academician drawing painting

By A. Costa

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

Woman. original figurative academician drawing painting Barcelona, 1904 - Barcelona, 1965 It was formed in Buenos Aires, in the Circle of San Lucas of Barcelona and the FAD. He was f...

Category

1960s Academic Paintings

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Antoni Costa   Woman. original figurative Academician drawing painting
Antoni Costa   Woman. original figurative Academician drawing painting

Antoni Costa Woman. original figurative Academician drawing painting

By A. Costa

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

woman. original figurative academician drawing painting Barcelona, 1904 - Barcelona, 1965 It was formed in Buenos Aires, in the Circle of San Lucas of Barcelona and the FAD. He was ...

Category

1960s Academic Paintings

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Black-Headed Gull
Black-Headed Gull

John DuncanBlack-Headed Gull, 1902

$1,920Sale Price|20% Off

Black-Headed Gull

By John Duncan

Located in Southampton, NY

In original gold leaf pierced frame Signed and dated lower left 1902 Sight size 6 x 8 in

Category

Early 1900s Academic Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Hunting Still LIfe
Hunting Still LIfe

Hunting Still LIfe

By Joseph van den Kerkhoven

Located in Atlanta, GA

Joseph van den Kerkhoven was born in Bruges. He became a student of J. van Meunincxhove in 1682, and then a student of E. Quellinus in Anvers. After a voyage to Frankfort, he found...

Category

Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Mythological Painting begining 19th oval Bacchus Apollon children
Mythological Painting begining 19th oval Bacchus Apollon children

Mythological Painting begining 19th oval Bacchus Apollon children

Located in PARIS, FR

Italian school from the beginning of the 19th century ? Oil on canvas (2) 99 x 65 cm (103 x 78 cm with the frame) Old frames with gadroons and palmette decoration Very good condition...

Category

Early 19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Stil life with Lobster"

"Stil life with Lobster"

By Martha A. Brockway

Located in Southampton, NY

Oil on canvas still life painting of a wine bottle along with a lobster. Signed lower left. Circa 1880. The painting is housed in its original monumental wood gesso and gilt Victoria...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Still Life with Figure"
"Still Life with Figure"

"Still Life with Figure"

By John T. Axton

Located in Southampton, NY

This painting is an oil on canvas mounted to a wood panel. It is signed with his monogram signature JTA lower right. The work is unframed. Axton was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kan...

Category

1980s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Painting Belgian 19th animal painter VERBOECKHOVEN woodLandscape cow sheperdess
Painting Belgian 19th animal painter VERBOECKHOVEN woodLandscape cow sheperdess

Painting Belgian 19th animal painter VERBOECKHOVEN woodLandscape cow sheperdess

By Eugène Verboeckhoven

Located in PARIS, FR

Eugène VERBOECKHOVEN Warneton, 1798 – Schaerbeek, 1881 Oil on wood panel 42 x 33.5 cm (58 x 50 cm with the frame) Signed, dated and located lower right “EJ Verboeckhoven / 1826 / à G...

Category

1820s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Port. Batumi"
"Port. Batumi"

"Port. Batumi"

By Oleksandr Khrapachov

Located in Edinburgh, GB

The painting "Port of Batumi" by Oleksandr Khrapachov is full of legends about the life of the corners of the Black Sea, where the sea ridges and mountain ridges grow together. Paint...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Pair 19th Century French Whimsical Oil on Canvas  "Cherubs and Putti Children"
Pair 19th Century French Whimsical Oil on Canvas  "Cherubs and Putti Children"

Pair 19th Century French Whimsical Oil on Canvas "Cherubs and Putti Children"

By Charles Joshua Chaplin

Located in LA, CA

Charles Joshua Chaplin (French, 1825-1891) A Very Fine and Charming Pair of 19th Century French Whimsical Oils on Canvas of Cherubs and Putti, after François Boucher (French, 1703–17...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

19th Century Italian gouache painting of Mount Vesuvius and Naples, summertime
19th Century Italian gouache painting of Mount Vesuvius and Naples, summertime

19th Century Italian gouache painting of Mount Vesuvius and Naples, summertime

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

A beautiful and naive painting of Naples from the sea in summertime from the 19th Century. The beautiful light blue tones of the sea highlight the architecture of Naples and Vesuvius beyond. Circle of Gioacchino La Pira...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

"Sakura is blooming"
"Sakura is blooming"

"Sakura is blooming"

By Oleksandr Khrapachov

Located in Edinburgh, GB

The painting "Sakura Blooms" is a true ode to spring, created outdoors in the heart of Transcarpathia. Oleksandr Khrapachov skillfully conveys all the beauty of cherry blossoms, whic...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

PLAUZEAU Painting Oil canvas French Academic Portrait of boy Early 20th century
PLAUZEAU Painting Oil canvas French Academic Portrait of boy Early 20th century

PLAUZEAU Painting Oil canvas French Academic Portrait of boy Early 20th century

By Alfred PLAUZEAU

Located in PARIS, FR

Alfred PLAUZEAU Avanton-Paché (Vienna), 1875 - Hendaye, 1918 Oil on oil 61 x 38 cm (75.5 x 52.5 cm with frame) Signed lower right "A. Plauzeau" Good condition (sevreal restoration, w...

Category

Early 20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

Pasture with Cows
Pasture with Cows

Pasture with Cows

By Rémy Cogghe

Located in Atlanta, GA

Born in Mouscron in the Belgian province of Hainaut, Cogghe attended the Academy of Roubaix where he studied under Constantin Mils. In 1876, Cogghe was admitted to the École Nationa...

Category

Early 1900s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1974 oil painting still life of squashes and grapes  by British George Weissbort
1974 oil painting still life of squashes and grapes  by British George Weissbort

1974 oil painting still life of squashes and grapes by British George Weissbort

By George Weissbort

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

George Weissbort (Belgian / British, 1928 – 2013) A SQUASH, A BUNCH OF GRAPES AND A GLASS OF WINE Oil on canvasboard 18.1/8 x 22 in. (46 x 55.7 cm.) George Weissbort was born in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Flower Sellers, Figurative, Original Painting, One of a Kind
Flower Sellers, Figurative, Original Painting, One of a Kind

Flower Sellers, Figurative, Original Painting, One of a Kind

Located in Granada Hills, CA

Artist: Ara H. Hakobyan Work: Original Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: Flower Sellers Size: 16" x 20" x 0.8'' inch, (41x51x2cm), Unframed, Stretched on wooden bar, Ready to Hang, Artist Bio Ara H. Hakobyan is an Armenian artist and art critic, Doctor of Sciences (arts, 2017), professor (2018) and a member of Artist Union of the Republic of Armenia (1999). Ara H. Hakobyan was born in 1973 in Yerevan in the family of art historian Hravard Hakobyan. In 1997 Mr. Hakobyan graduated from the Yerevan State Academy of Arts, Department of Painting. During 1997-2000 Ara Hakobyan...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Flowers with a Statue, Still Life, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Flowers with a Statue, Still Life, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind

Flowers with a Statue, Still Life, 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: Flowers with a Statue Size: 24" x 30" x 0.8'' inch, (61x76x2cm), Unframed, Stretched on wooden bar, Ready to Hang, Artist Bio Ara H. Hakobyan is an Armenian artist and art critic, Doctor of Sciences (arts, 2017), professor (2018) and a member of Artist Union of the Republic of Armenia (1999). Ara H. Hakobyan was born in 1973 in Yerevan in the family of art historian Hravard Hakobyan. In 1997 Mr. Hakobyan graduated from the Yerevan State Academy of Arts, Department of Painting. During 1997-2000 Ara Hakobyan...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Still Life in Blue and Yellow, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Still Life in Blue and Yellow, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind

Still Life in Blue and Yellow, 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: Still Life with Blue and Yellow Size...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Symphony of Flowers, Original Painting, One of a Kind
Symphony of Flowers, Original Painting, One of a Kind

Symphony of Flowers, Original 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: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: Symphony of Flowers Size: 24" x ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Farm, Original oil Painting, Impressionism, One of a Kind
Farm, Original oil Painting, Impressionism, One of a Kind

Farm, Original oil Painting, Impressionism, 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: 2018 Style: Impressionism Title: Farm Size: 16" x 20" x 0.8'' inch, ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Waves, Seascape, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Waves, Seascape, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Waves, Seascape, 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: 2017 Style: Impressionism Title: Waves Size: 20" x 27.5" x 0.8'' inch...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Play on the Beach, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Play on the Beach, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Play on 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: 2017 Style: Impressionism Title: Play on the Beach Size: 11" x 14" x ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

City Park, Impressionism, Original Painting, One of a Kind
City Park, Impressionism, Original Painting, One of a Kind

City Park, Impressionism, Original 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: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: City Park Size: 16" x 20" x 0.8'...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Winter Landscape Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Winter Landscape Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Winter Landscape 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: 2018 Style: Impressionism Subject: Winter Size: 20" x 28" x 0.8'' inc...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skeletal Structure
Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skeletal Structure

Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skeletal Structure

By Robert Ladou

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skeletal Structure Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil and Coloured Pen on Paper Size: 19.75 (Height) x 12.75 (...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Pencil, Pen, Color Pencil

Academic paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Academic 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 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, purple, pink, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Karen Darbinyan, Mark Beard, Kyna de Schouël, and Elizabeth Zanzinger. 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 paintings, so small editions measuring 4.14 inches across are also available. Prices for 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 $140 and tops out at $700,000, while the average work sells for $4,850.