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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.  

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Style: Academic
The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed
The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed

The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed

By Paula Craioveanu

Located in Forest Hills, NY

"The Painter's Studio", oil on canvas, 39x27.5in / 100x70cm The artist's studio and art objects part of artist' life and work. A sculpture, an antique head and a painting that remin...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Classic Sailboats”
“Classic Sailboats”

“Classic Sailboats”

Located in Southampton, NY

Beautiful, original watercolor on archival paper of two classic American sailboats by the well known marine artist, Ron Saporito Signed by the artist lower right. Condition is excel...

Category

1970s Academic Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral
'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral

'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral

By Marcus Waterman

Located in Santa Cruz, CA

Signed with monogram lower right, 'MW' for Marcus (Mark) Waterman (American, 1834-1914) and painted circa 1890. “All the world’s a stage” – In the late 1880s, an expanding rail netw...

Category

1890s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Apples and Lemons by Edith LUTZ - Oil on Canvas - 64x96 cm
Apples and Lemons by Edith LUTZ - Oil on Canvas - 64x96 cm

Apples and Lemons by Edith LUTZ - Oil on Canvas - 64x96 cm

Located in Geneva, CH

Edith Lutz-Romani (1894-1983) was an Austrian painter active during the 20th century. Although detailed information about her life is limited, she was born in 1894 and developed her ...

Category

1910s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

'Peau d’Âne' Large 19th-Century French Allegorical Pastoral Painting
'Peau d’Âne' Large 19th-Century French Allegorical Pastoral Painting

'Peau d’Âne' Large 19th-Century French Allegorical Pastoral Painting

Located in New York, NY

Pastoral Scene with Young Woman and Turkeys Oil on canvas 118.5 × 153.5 cm The frame is extremelly heavy, better to sell without it. Signed low-right This large-scale and finely ex...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

“Mother and Child in the Garden”
“Mother and Child in the Garden”

“Mother and Child in the Garden”

By Edward Percy Moran

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on canvas painting of a young woman with child in a garden in the moon light. The artist is the well known American painter, Edward Percy Moran. Signed by the artist low...

Category

1890s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“The French Cavalier”
“The French Cavalier”

“The French Cavalier”

By Alex De Andreis

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on canvas portrait of a French cavalier by the well known French/Belgian artist, Alex de Andreis. Signed lower right and dated 1924. Condition is very good. Original N...

Category

1920s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Pennsylvania Beauty”
“Pennsylvania Beauty”

“Pennsylvania Beauty”

By Edmund Darch Lewis

Located in Southampton, NY

Here for your consideration is an outstanding example of the landscape mastery of American artist, Edmund Darch Lewis. Fabulous light and clarity of the bucolic scene. Signed lower right and dated 1870. Recently cleaned. Several old patches verso with corresponding in paint. Condition is very good The painting is framed in its original gold leaf period frame which is in fine condition. Overall measurements are 35 by 46.5 inches. Edmund Darch Lewis was born in Philadelphia, the son of a prominent businessman. According to family tradition he was educated at a private school...

Category

1870s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

Pencil

Woman with Cameo, Academic Oil Painting, Mid-19th Century, Framed
Woman with Cameo, Academic Oil Painting, Mid-19th Century, Framed

Woman with Cameo, Academic Oil Painting, Mid-19th Century, Framed

Located in Genève, GE

Work on canvas Original frame This portrait of a woman with a cameo is a beautiful example of 19th-century classical painting, showcasing the refinement and elegance of its time. The...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

The first time model: the enigmatic young bohemian girl in traditional dress
The first time model: the enigmatic young bohemian girl in traditional dress

The first time model: the enigmatic young bohemian girl in traditional dress

Located in Norwich, GB

I love the feisty attitude of the girl depicted! With her hand on her hip, she seems to be saying to the artist: "Whatya looking at anyway?" She looks like she has a good head on he...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Painting Portrait Young Italian Jewelry Belgian Academic Painter COLLIN 19th
Painting Portrait Young Italian Jewelry Belgian Academic Painter COLLIN 19th

Painting Portrait Young Italian Jewelry Belgian Academic Painter COLLIN 19th

Located in PARIS, FR

André COLLIN Spa, 1862 – Brussels, 1930 Portrait of a Young Italian Woman Oil on canvas 57.5 x 41 cm (64 x 47.5 cm with frame) Signed lower right “A. Collin” Titled upper right “REGI...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Young Boy with Cap and Red Scarf, European Oil Painting
Portrait of a Young Boy with Cap and Red Scarf, European Oil Painting

Portrait of a Young Boy with Cap and Red Scarf, European Oil Painting

Located in Genève, GE

Dimension with frame: 42,5 x 34,5 x 4 cm. A sensitive and finely observed portrait of a young boy shown in profile, wearing a dark cap and a vivid red scarf. The composition is inti...

Category

Early 20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910) The Artist at Work, oil on panel
Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910) The Artist at Work, oil on panel

Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910) The Artist at Work, oil on panel

Located in Les Acacias GE, GE

Ludwig van Löfftz (1845-1910)
 The Artist at Work
 Oil on panel
 Signed and located Munchen lower left 
21 x 16 cm
 Provenance: * Collections of Prof. Dr. Ludwig Borchardt and Emili...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

“Cows at a Stream Sunset”
“Cows at a Stream Sunset”

“Cows at a Stream Sunset”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on canvas painting of cattle watering at sunset by the well known American artist, George A. Hayes. Signed by the artist lower left “G.A. Hays”. Circa 1885. Condition ...

Category

1880s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Beach, Coastal, Impressionism, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Beach, Coastal, Impressionism, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind

Beach, Coastal, 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: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: Beach Size: 24" x 30" x 0.8'' inch, ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Seashore, Coastal Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Seashore, Coastal Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

By Karen Darbinyan

Located in Granada Hills, CA

Seascape, Nautical Original oil Painting Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism T...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

La Carmencita by John Singer Sargent
La Carmencita by John Singer Sargent

La Carmencita by John Singer Sargent

By John Singer Sargent

Located in New Orleans, LA

John Singer Sargent 1856-1925 American Stamped by artist's estate (en verso) Oil on canvas John Singer Sargent, widely regarded as one of history's most distinguished portraitists...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Gondolier on a Venetian backwater, oil on canvas, by Antoine Bouvard senior
Gondolier on a Venetian backwater, oil on canvas, by Antoine Bouvard senior

Gondolier on a Venetian backwater, oil on canvas, by Antoine Bouvard senior

By Antoine Bouvard (Marc Aldine)

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Antoine Bouvard (French, 1882–1956) Gondolier on a Venetian Backwater Oil on canvas Signed ‘Bouvard’ (lower left) 21.25 x 32 in. (54 x 81.5 cm) In this tranquil Venetian scene, Anto...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Young Man on His Camel, Oil on Cardboard, Early-20th Century
Young Man on His Camel, Oil on Cardboard, Early-20th Century

Young Man on His Camel, Oil on Cardboard, Early-20th Century

Located in Genève, GE

Monogrammed "A.B." in the lower right corner. Dimension with frame : 44.5 x 39.5 x 5 cm. This oil on board depicts an Orientalist scene featuring a figure in traditional dress ridin...

Category

Early 20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Anatomy Drawing of a Horse - Original French Artwork Equestrian Anatomy Study
Anatomy Drawing of a Horse - Original French Artwork Equestrian Anatomy Study

Anatomy Drawing of a Horse - Original French Artwork Equestrian Anatomy Study

By Robert Ladou

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

The Anatomy of a Horse by Robert Ladou (French 1929-2014) original drawing stuck on card in blue folder/ thick paper, unframed drawing: 12 x 19 inch...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil

Flower Painting French Academic Realist Still life DUDAN mid 19th
Flower Painting French Academic Realist Still life DUDAN mid 19th

Flower Painting French Academic Realist Still life DUDAN mid 19th

Located in PARIS, FR

Gabriel-Dominique DUDAN (Active from the 1830s to the 1850s) Bouquet of Roses, Foxgloves, Poppies, Violets, and Daisies Oil on canvas 61 x 50 cm (77 x 66 cm with frame) Signed and da...

Category

1850s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

Silence, Contemporary Art, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Silence, Contemporary Art, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Silence, Contemporary Art, 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: 2012 Style: Expressionism Title: Silence Size: 22" x 28" x 0.8'' inch...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

By William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Located in New Orleans, LA

William-Adolphe Bouguereau 1825-1905 French Jeune mère contemplant deux enfants qui s'embrassent (Young Mother Contemplating Two Embracing Children) Signed “W-Bouguereau” (bottom ...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Return from Hunting Oil Painting, Framed, 19th Century, 75x63 cm
Return from Hunting Oil Painting, Framed, 19th Century, 75x63 cm

Return from Hunting Oil Painting, Framed, 19th Century, 75x63 cm

Located in Genève, GE

Fine antique oil on canvas depicting a traditional hunting still life composed of a suspended hare, pheasant, and game birds arranged in a rustic interior setting. Executed in the spirit of late 18th to early 19th century European still life painting...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

“Knight of the Field”
“Knight of the Field”

“Knight of the Field”

Located in San Francisco, CA

On offer is “Knight of the Field” aka “A Man in Armour,” a painting by Edgar Allan Ward (1862–1947). The portrait is of an unknown gentleman in full plate armor, complete with a swor...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“The Potato Peelers”
“The Potato Peelers”

“The Potato Peelers”

By German School

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on canvas painting of a man and a woman intently peeling potatoes at a table. No visible signature. Old gallery label in German verso that is dated 1934 Condition is go...

Category

1930s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Alfred Copestick, Fort Hamilton from the Narrows, New York, 1857
Alfred Copestick, Fort Hamilton from the Narrows, New York, 1857

Alfred Copestick, Fort Hamilton from the Narrows, New York, 1857

Located in Queens, NY

Alfred Copestick (1837–1859) Fort Hamilton from the Narrows, New York, 1857 Oil on canvas, in the original giltwood frame 14 ¼ x 20 ⅛ in. (canvas) Signed lower left: A. Copestick NY 1857 Painted when Copestick was only twenty years old, Fort Hamilton from the Narrows, New York captures both the military fortifications and maritime vitality of New York Harbor at mid-century. In the foreground, the fortress bastion commands the shoreline, while sail and steam vessels traverse the Narrows — the strategic waterway linking Upper New York Bay to the Atlantic. Copestick conveys not only the architectural solidity of Fort Hamilton but also the shifting atmosphere above, where cloud formations build and dissolve across a wind-driven sky. The painting is a remarkable marriage of documentary precision and romantic sensibility. The young artist’s brush imbues the fortress with weight and presence, yet the broader scene is alive with the transience of weather and the ceaseless motion of the sea. In its original giltwood frame, richly carved and preserving the period character, the canvas is a rare survival of a gifted hand cut short in its prime. This canvas reveals Copestick’s deep engagement with the maritime traditions of American art. The careful delineation of sailing vessels recalls the precision of James E. Buttersworth, while the atmospheric breadth echoes the influence of Fitz Henry Lane and John F. Kensett. The choice of subject — the strategic Narrows and its fortress — also reflects the national mood of the 1850s, when American identity was bound up with its coasts, harbors, and defenses. The romantic skies and dramatic contrasts suggest the impact of the Hudson River School, particularly the legacy of Thomas Cole and Asher B...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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.