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.
“Waiting for his Arrival” Oil on panel, Signed
By Ferdinand Victor Leon Roybet
Located in Jacksonville, FL
The painting is signed and dated 1872 in Algiers Description: Ferdinand Victor Léon Roybet (1840-1920) was a French painter renowned for...
Oil, Panel
Stony Brook Village
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Dalessio faithfully depicts a Long Island town, picturesque with a large white church in the background. Marc Dalessio was born in 1972 in Los Angeles, California. Even in his earlie...
Oil, Panel
Mountain Landscape with Animals and Figures
Located in Atlanta, GA
A student of Regnault and of Bertin, Jean-Charles Joseph Rémond exhibited at the Salon from 1814 to 1848. He was awarded his first grand prize in 1821 for "L'enlevement de Proserpin...
Canvas, Oil
Fournier Hippolyte (1853-1926)+ Promenade de Dimanche (The Walk on Sunday)
By Hippolyte Fournier
Located in Gent, VOV
This exquisite oil on canvas painting, "The Walk on Sunday," by Hippolyte Fournier is a captivating depiction of 19th-century leisure. The artist's meticulous brushstrokes bring to l...
Oil
"Caravansary at Shiraz" Antique orientalist Black & White Oil Painting on Board
Located in Jacksonville, FL
The "Caravansary at Shiraz," is accompanied by the book "From The Black Sea Through Persia and India" by Weeks. In his book, on page 115, Weeks provides an insightful explanation abo...
Oil, Board
The Letter By Georges Croegaert
Located in New Orleans, LA
Georges Croegaert 1848-1923 Belgian The Letter Signed "Georges Croegaert Paris" (lower right) Oil on panel A cardinal pauses while composing a letter in this oil on panel by Belg...
Oil, Panel
Courtship and The Shepherd's Family (a pair)
Located in Mc Lean, VA
19th Century Dutch
Oil
A. LEONARD - Flower Girl and her Dog
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A. LEONARD (19th-20th) Flower Girl and Her Dog Oil on canvas signed low left Old Frame regilded with Leaves Dim canvas : 46 X 38 cm Dim Frame : 55 X 46 cm
Oil
Figures at a mill
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
English school, 18th Century Figures at a mill Gouache on paper 4.5/8 x 7.1/2 in. (11.8 x 19 cm.)
Paper, Gouache
Provocative 19th Century Folk Art painting of a young boy holding thorny flowers
Located in Colfax, CA
A great 19th century folk art painting of a young boy posed, carefully holding thorny flowers between two fingers. His belt buckle has initials monogrammed, the last being an 'A' pos...
Oil
Koala Bear Painting, Photorealism, Gouache and Watercolor, 1970s
By John Ruthven
Located in Miami, FL
John Ruthven is recognized as the “20th-century Audubon. In this very detailed and meticulously rendered work the artist depicts a Koala in an iconic and proud pose and a Photoreali...
Gouache, Watercolor
A Sideways Glance
Located in Mc Lean, VA
Signed with monogram lower right
Canvas, Oil
$25,000
Indian Ritual Walking on Fire, Firewalking Ceremony, Mythology and Religion
By Robert Riggs
Located in Miami, FL
Narrative artist Robert Riggs captures a highly-charged scene of an Indian firewalking ceremony. Firewalking is part of a religious ritual and is associated with the mystical powers...
Varnish, Pigment
An Amusing Thought by Georges Croegaert
Located in New Orleans, LA
Georges Croegaert 1848-1923 Belgian An Amusing Thought Signed "Georges Croegaert Paris" (lower left) Oil on panel This oil on panel by Belgian artist Georges Croegaert is a rich ...
Oil, Panel
Landscape With Washerwoman
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
LEVIGNE Théodore (1848-1912) Landscape With Washerwoman Oil on canvas signed low right Old Frame regilded with leaves Dimensions canvas : 55 X 73 cm Dimensions frame : 70 X 85 cm LE...
Oil
Istambul View with characters
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Alfredo CALDINI (1917 - NC) View of Istambul with Characters Oil on canvas signed low left Old frame regilded with gold leaves Size canvas : 46 X 65 cm...
Oil
Landscape of Mountains
By MOSNY Henry
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
MOSNY Henry (19th Century) Landscape of Mountains Oil on canvas signed below and dated 1882 Black and Golden wood Frame Dim canvas : 73 X 92 cm Dim Frame : 92 X 112 cm MOSNY Henry (...
Oil
$8,000
Woman Reading by JOZEF ISRAËLS - Dutch painter, Hague School, portrait art
Located in London, GB
Woman Reading by JOZEF ISRAËLS (1824-1911) Oil on Panel 21 x 12.5 cm (8 1/4 x 4 15/16 inches) Signed lower right Executed circa 1870 Artist biography Du...
Oil, Wood Panel
Calligraphy 2
Located in Atlanta, GA
Born in 1969 1991, Graduated top of his class at Iranian Society of Calligraphy, Tehran 1993, Graduated from the Wood Industry & Paper-making, Tehran Sol...
Oil
Lady at the Flower Market
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
LEBAS Léonie (19th-20th) "Lady at the Flower Market in Paris" Oil on wood panel signed low right Old Frame regilded with gold leaves Dim panel : 16 X...
Oil
GRISAILLE 19th Century - Cherubs Are Playing Music
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
GRISAILLE 19th Century (anonymous) Cherubs asleep Part of "Rococo Style" made famous by François Boucher (1703 - 1770) Oil on canvas Circa 1850 Frame re-gilded Dim canvas : 50 X 70 c...
Oil
"Homecoming of the Sea" — Circa 1896 Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Young Girl
Located in Naples, Florida
"Homecoming of the Sea" by Carl Wilhelm Friedrich Bauerle (German, 1831–1912) is a circa 1896 oil on canvas portrait measuring 24.25 x 20 inches, depicting a young girl standing by t...
Oil, Canvas
The Flower Girl - Genre Scene 18th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
LEVIGNE Théodore (1848-1912) The Flower Girl and The Puppy Oil on canvas signed and dated 1883 low left Old Frame regilded with leaves Dimensions canvas : 120 X 70 cm Dimensions frame : 137 X 88 cm LEVIGNE Théodore (1848-1912) French Painter 19th-20th century Lyon School Born 1848 in Noirétable (Loire) - Died 11...
Oil
Portrait of a Lady With Hat
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
WATELET, Charles Joseph (1867 - 1954) Portrait of a Lady with Hat Oil on oval canvas signed up right and dated 1909 Old frame gilded with leaves Dim canv...
Oil
Painting 19th Century - Portrait of Young Lady
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
ERNEST BLANC-GARIN (1843-1916) Portrait of a Young Lady around 1880 Oil on wood panel signed low Old Original frame gilded with leaves Dimensions wood : 40 X 30 cm Dimensions frame : 62 X 53 cm ERNEST BLANC-GARIN (1843-1916) Belgian Painter 19th Century Born 8 October 1843 in Givet (France) Died 1916 in Brussels (Belgium) Painter of Portraits and Urbanscapes. In Brusssels he was taught by Jan Portaëls (1818-1895); then in Paris by Alexandre Cabanel (1823-1889) He took part in the Salon de Paris from 1868. After a trip to Italy in 1870, he came back to Brussels for creating a private Art Academy providing a very liberal teaching. His portraits are made with a lot of freedom and gracefulness. Bibliography : Dictionary of Artists E. Benezit Book II / 373 Gérald SHURR : Les petits Maîtres de la Peinture 1820- 1920 Book V
Oil
Two Arches, Prospect Park Brooklyn, sunlight architectural urban landscape
By Gregory Frux
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil on Canvas
Canvas, Oil
Venice Laguna with Gondola
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
ADAM-LAURENS Suzanne Adrienne, aka Nanny (1861-1915) Venice, Lagoon with gondolier Oil on canvas signed lower left Frame gilded with leaf canvas size: 55 X 42 cm Frame size: 64 X 77 cm French painter born in Crest (Drôme ) February 20, 1861 Died in 1915 Landscape...
Oil
The Connoisseur By Georges Croegaert
Located in New Orleans, LA
Georges Croegaert 1848-1923 Belgian The Connoisseur Signed "Georges Croegaert Paris" (lower right) Oil on panel A Cardinal peers through a magnifying glass at gilded treasures in...
Oil, Panel
Miss Carolyn Edmunson Portrait Painting, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 1930s
By Leon Kroll
Located in Miami, FL
The art world today does not value traditional academic skills in portrait painting. If it did, this portrait would replace the childlike student-level art that is now achieving two...
Oil, Canvas
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Il Fait Beau Là-Bas ?
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork located in Los Angeles, USA. Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as i...
Canvas, Oil
A.Bachman (1863-1956), painting view of Venice
By Alfred August Felix Bachman
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
BACHMANN Alfred Félix August (1863-1956) Lively view of Venice Oil on wood panel signed low left Old frame regilded with gold leaves Dim wood : 24 X 34 cm Dim frame : 38 X 48 cm BA...
Oil
Georgian Contemporary Art by Ramaz Chantladze - Untitled 12
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Ramaz Chantladze is a Georgian artist was born in 1960 who lives and works in Tbilisi, Georgia. He studied at Jacob Nikoladze School of Art. In 1979-1985 he studied at...
Canvas, Oil
Landscape with windmill
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
KUWASSEG Charles Euphrasie (1838-1904) Landscape with Windmill Oil on canvas signed low right New Golden frame Dim canvas : 75 X 108 cm Dim frame : 104 X 140 cm KUWASSEG Charles Euphrasie (1838-1904) French Painter 19th Century born on September 29, 1838 in Draveil (Essonne). Died in October 1904 in Paris Painter, Watercolor Lively landscapes, seascapes, panoramas Charles Kuwasseg...
Oil
In the diner
Located in Roma, RM
Antonio Maria Fabrés y Costa (Barcelona 1854 - Rome 1938), In the Restaurant (1880) Oil painting on panel 14 x 21 cm signed and dated on the right.
Oil, Board
French Contemporary Art by Pascal Plazanet - Provencale No. 12
Located in Paris, IDF
Rapidography & acrylic on paper + white frame Pascal Plazanet is a French artist born in 1963 who lives and works in Paris, France. For more 30 years, he constantly uses rapidograph pens in his artworks on paper or onto canvas. The rapidograph is a special pen with a capillary tubular tip in which flows a black pigment, an ancient drawing...
Paper, Acrylic
French Contemporary Art by Pascal Plazanet - Chateau de Foix
Located in Paris, IDF
Rapidography & ink on paper + white frame Pascal Plazanet is a French artist born in 1963 who lives and works in Paris, France. For more 30 years, he constantly uses rapidograph pens in his artworks on paper or onto canvas. The rapidograph is a special pen with a capillary tubular tip in which flows a black pigment, an ancient drawing tool...
Paper, Ink
$18,829
Painting 19th Century Fox Hunting Scene With Characters Horses and Dogs
By Joseph August Knip
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
KNIP August (1819 - 1859) Starting Fox Hunting day in Baden-Baden Oil on canvas signed low right dated 1837 Old original frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 81 X 118 cm Dim frame :...
Oil
The Musical Performance oil on panel by Antonio Ermolao Paoletti
Located in New York, NY
The Musical Performance by Antonio Ermolao Paoletti An italian genre painting showcasing two boys playing a trumpet and a guitar for their sist...
Oil, Wood Panel, Board
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Saint Vaast la Hougue
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Docteur Jeckyll and Mr Hide
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Oil, Canvas
$6,100
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Mais où se cache le Soleil ?!
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Oil, Canvas
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Swing des Orangés
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork located in Los Angeles, USA. Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in th...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - It's a Good Weather ?
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork located in Los Angeles, USA. Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in th...
Canvas, Oil
$4,100
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Rentrez Chez Vous Braves Gens !
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - De ma Fenêtre
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Terre qui Saigne ?
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Oil, Panel
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Versailles
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Oil, Panel
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Coup de Vent sur Colleville
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Oil, Panel
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Je Vole
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the Unite...
Oil, Panel
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Avant l'Orage
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Oil, Panel
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Droit au Coeur
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Oil, Panel
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Colleville sur Mer en Hiver
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His works e...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Éclaircie
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives & works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the Unite...
Oil, Panel
$12,500
Sexy Woman in a Swamp Storm - Pulp Magazine, Hispanic Artist, Mid Century
Located in Miami, FL
Rafael Maria de Soto y Hernandez was born February 18, 1904 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. It's high drama in the swamp. Woman in the Swamp is a masterfully executed example of Pulp Art and showcases Rafael DeSoto's full command of academic painting. DeSoto did pulp covers up until the industry's demise in the 1950s for such magazines as Adventure, Argosy, Black Mask, Captain Zero, Crack Detective, Fantastic Novels, 15-Story Detective, Fifteen Western Tales, New Detective, Smashing Detective, and Walt Coburn's Western Magazine. He also painted many covers and interior story illustrations for men's adventure magazines, such as Action For Men, Adventure, Battle Cry, For Men Only...
Oil, Board
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Wheels of Industry Past and Present, Golden Age of Illustration - Standard Oil
Located in Miami, FL
This Golden Age of Illustration painting juxtaposes modern and ancient industrial practices. Giant eclectic generators from the current ti...
Gouache, Board
Divertimento in the Music Salon
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
GUIDI Giuseppe (1881-1931) Divertimento in the Music Salon Oil on canvas signed low right Old frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 70 X 100 cm Dim frame :...
Oil
Formal Portrait of a Chinese Man in Traditional Dress
Located in Miami, FL
Dressed in traditional clothing, a handsome Chinese man is depicted as he sits resolutely with one hand on his leg and the other holding a baton. Female Artist Joyce Ballantyne...
Canvas, Oil
Riva d'Arno in Florence
Located in Roma, RM
Domenico Bresolin (Padua 1813 - Venice 1890), Riva d'Arno in Florence Oil on canvas applied to cardboard 26 x 40 cm. Not signed. INFO: to get more information Publications: D. Ri...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Boy in a squero in Venice
Located in Roma, RM
Domenico Bresolin (Padua 1813 - Venice 1890), Boy in a squero in Venice Oil on canvas applied to cardboard 27 x 16 cm initialed (DB) lower left. Publications D. Ritter, Venedig in...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Praying in the Desert by Rudolf Ernst, 19th Century Oil on Panel
By Rudolf Ernst
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Rudolph Ernst’s Praying in the Desert is a masterful example of Orientalist art, showcasing the artist's profound ability to blend intricate detail with an atmosphere of serene spiri...
Oil, Panel