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.
Sunset, Seascape, Original oil Painting on Linen, Framed
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2021 Style: Impressionism Subject: Sunset, Size: 17.5" x 23.5" x 0.8...
Oil, Canvas
traditional English painting Horse in a stable
Located in GB
This painting presents a quietly dignified portrait of a horse, rendered with a restraint and sensitivity that places it firmly within the tradition of British sporting and animal pa...
Canvas, Oil
French religious small paintings Jesus and Virgin Mary Portrait Academic 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
Jules Achille LECARON Paris, 1813 – ? Portrait of Jesus and his mother the Virgin Mary Oils on wood 15 x 12 cm (25 x 21 cm with frame) Signed on the back "Painted by Achille Lecaron ...
Oil
Harbour with Characters
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Follower of Emile Jean Horace Vernet (French, 1789–1863) Marine Harbour With Characters Oil on canvas signed low left - Signature to read Old frame gilded with leaves Size canvas : 4...
Oil
$1,500
Art Deco Thistles Still Life Watercolor Painting by Marie Benoit-Levy
Located in Atlanta, GA
Marie Benoit-Levy (France, 20th Century). This stunning watercolor on Arches Vellum paper painting features a still-life with thistles and a blue water pot, an academic design by Mar...
Watercolor
Two Marines in Pair
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
BURLING Gilbert (1843-1875) Two oil on wood panel signed low right Showing scenes of fishing by the sea Frames giglded with leaves Size wood panel : 22 X 41 cm (each) Size frame : 33...
Oil
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Potted daffodils - Still life oil on canvas
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on canvas Gilded wooden frame 70,5 x 48 x 4,5 cm Unsigned
Oil
French Contemporary Art by Pascal Plazanet - Provencale No. 11
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 tool...
Paper, Acrylic
Still Life composition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jacques DELANOY (1820-1890) Still Life Fruits and vegetables Oil on canvas signed and dated 1890 low left Old frame regilded with leaves Dim canvas : 41 X 34 cm Dim frame : 53 X 44 ...
Oil
Lady in paris Street 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
LEBAS Léonie (19th-20th) "Lady in Paris Street 1900" Oil on wood panel signed low right Old Frame regilded with gold leaves Dim panel : 16 X 22 cm Dim frame : 50 X 41 cm LEBAS Léoni...
Oil
Break at the Inn for the Rural Policeman 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
DE LAUNEY Fernand (19th Century) Break at the Inn for the Rural Policeman Oil on Wood Panel signed Low Left Old frame gilded with Leaves Dim wood : 33 X 41 cm Dim frame : 48 X 56 cm...
Oil
Portrait of Napoléon II
Located in New Orleans, LA
The son of the legendary Napoléon Bonaparte, Napoléon François Charles Joseph, takes a spirited stance in this remarkable oil painting attributed to the Austrian portraitist Johann Peter Krafft. Believed to have been exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris, this work stands as a testament to both Austrian artistry and the legacy of one of the most powerful men in history. After Napoléon's exile to the island of Elba in 1814, his son was seen by many of his supporters as the last hope of France. The child was named the ruler of half of Europe, holding the titles of Napoléon II...
Oil, Canvas
Seashore, Coastal Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Coastal Original oil Painting, One of a Kind Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionis...
Canvas, Oil
Cleopatra Queen of Egypt 17' century Painting Oil on Canvas
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing painting of Cleopatra oil on canvas with a gilt wood frame. Attributed to Giuseppe Diamantini (Fossombrone 1621-Venice 1705) The dramatic subje...
Oil
Waiting, Figurative 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: Impressionism Subject: Waiting, Size: 18" x 14" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
Cathédrale Saint Pierre Genève by Pierre Duc - Watercolor
By Pierre Duc
Located in Geneva, CH
Watercolor paper Brown wooden frame with plexiglass 85,5 x 65,7 x 2 cm
Watercolor, Pencil
Horse Carriage in the Bourgeoise Yard
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
James Thomas Wheeler (1849 - 1888) Horse Carriage in the Yard Oil on canvas signed low right Old original frame gilded with leaves Canvas size : 55 X 65 cm Frame size : 85 X 95 cm
Oil
Picnic on the Hudson
Located in New York, NY
Picnic on the Hudson is a significant canvas painted circa 1860 as Whittredge was purposely transitioning his European training and experience into a purely American style and genre....
Canvas, Oil
Landscape, 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: Landscape 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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$9,018
Painting 19th Century - Horses and Carriage - Charles de Luna (1812-1866)
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
LUNA, Charles de (1812-1866) Horses and carriage hunting Oil on canvas signed low left and dated 1841 Old original frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 39 X 75 cm Dim frame : 89 X 52 cm Certificate of authenticity LUNA, Charles de (1812-1866) French Painter 19th century Born in 1812 in Châlon sur Saone Genre scenes, military subjects, Orientalism Pupil of Léon Cogniet...
Oil
$500
Cold Winter, Impressionism, Landscape, 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: 2016 Style: Impressionism Title: Cold Winter Size: 14" x 18" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
Coastal, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Coastal Size: 16.5" x 21.5" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
$901Sale Price|37% Off
Odalisque with Tray Oil on Canvas Painting, Figurative, Signed, 1970s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title of the Artwork: Odalisque with Tray Artist: Rosendo González Carbonell Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 24 x 20 inches Frame: Unfr...
Canvas, Oil
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
“Sailing Ships off the Coast”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of sailing ships off the Danish coast by the marine artist, Johan Jens Neumann. Signed lower left and dated 1921. Slightly covered by frame. Conditi...
Canvas, Oil
$124,500
The Potter
Located in New Orleans, LA
Léon Olivié-Bon 1863-1901 French The Potter Oil on canvas Signed and dated "Olivie-Bon 1888" (lower right) This monumental masterpiece by French artist Léon Olivié-Bon is one of ...
Canvas, Oil
Landscape, 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: Landscape 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...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
After Storm, Impressionism Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: After Storm Size: 29" x 39" x 0.8''...
Canvas, Oil
Bergère et son troupeau crépuscule, plaine de Barbizon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jean-Ferdinand Chaigneau was born in the shipping center of Bordeaux on March 6th, 1830. There he studied drawing under the academic painter Jean-Paul Alaux (1788-1858). In 1847...
Oil, Panel
Samantha Haring "Static" Oil on paper on panel
Located in New York, NY
Samantha Haring "Static," 2024 Oil on paper on panel 20 x 20 in. (hari023)
Paper, Oil, Panel
Seashore, Coastal Original oil Painting, Large Size Ready to hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Coastal Original oil Painting, Large Size Ready to hang Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2019 Style: C...
Canvas, Oil
Classical Naturalistic Style Italian Allegory Study
Located in Houston, TX
Classical style allegorical painting with puti and monarchy type figures floating within the clouds. The canvas is framed in a decorative gold frame. Dimensions Without Frame: H 43.5...
Oil
Wild Flowers, 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: Wild Flowers Size: 20" x 16" x 0.8''...
Canvas, Oil
The Farm to the Donkey
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
GARAT Francis (1870 - NC) The Farm of The Donkey Oil on canvas signed and dated 1883 low right Frame guilded Size canvas : 50 X 76 cm - Size frame : 60 X 76 cm GARAT Francis (1870 -...
Oil
Landscape By The Mountain Stream
By MOSNY Henry
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
MOSNY Henry (19th Century) Landscape by the mountain Stream Oil on canvas signed below and dated 1882 Black and Golden wood Frame Dim canvas : 73 X 92 cm Dim Frame : 94 X 113 cm MOS...
Oil
Reception at the Salon
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
STEVENS Agapit (1848 – 1924) Reception at the Salon Oil on wood signed low left New Golden Frame Dim wood panel : 24 X 39 cm Dim Frame : 49 X 63 cm STEVENS Agapit (1848 – 1924) Be...
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
Bergère près des rochers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jean-Ferdinand Chaigneau was born in the shipping center of Bordeaux on March 6th, 1830. There he studied drawing under the academic painter Jean-Paul Alaux (1788-1858). In 1847...
Oil, Panel
A.POURFILET - Original Painting Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A.POURFILET (19th-20th Century) Still life with Peaches and Grapes Oil on card signed low left Old frame gilded with leaves Dim card : 33 X 41 cm Dim frame : 50 X 58 cm
Oil
$520Sale Price|20% Off
“Kingston 2 Tugboat”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original acrylic on masonite painting of the “Kingston 2” tugboat underway by the well known American marine artist, Ron Saporito. Signed by the artist lower right. Condition is ex...
Masonite, Acrylic
$264Sale Price|20% Off
Granny with glasses by Hans Berger - Engraving 50x39 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Ed: 24/100
Charcoal, Engraving
$534Sale Price|20% Off
Anatomical Study of Horse Legs
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Anatomical Study of Horse Legs Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Coloured Pencil and pen on paper Size: 20 (Height) x 13.75 (Width) Signed: No Condition: Good ...
Gel Pen, Color Pencil
Watercolor Painting - Flowers with China Porcelain vase
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
ROSENSTOCK Isidor (1880-1956) Still Life of Flowers with China Porcelain Vase Watercolor on card signed low right Old original frame gilded with leaves and Glass Dim card : 38 X 58 c...
Watercolor
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Study of a Horse's Leg
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Study of a Horse's Leg Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pen and Pencil on paper Size: 20 (Height) x 13.25 (Width) Signed: No Conditi...
Pencil, Pen
Portrait of a Japanese Woman wearing Traditional Kimono
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Portrait of a Japanese Woman wearing Traditional Kimono Oil on wood panel signed upper right with a japanese ideogram Signature unread Other portrai...
Oil
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Anatomy Drawings 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 top drawing: 7.25 x 9...
Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil
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
Rustic Apples and Bread Food Still Life French Salon Academic Antique Painting
Located in Norwich, GB
A remarkable work by Charles Nicolas Etienne Mayre, an academic painter born in Choisy le Roi near Paris in 1819. He studied with the masters Michel-Martin Drolling and Leon Cogniet...
Canvas, Oil
The Flight of Sodom and Gomorrah - Entourage of Monsu-Desiderio
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Italian School 17th Century Close to Monsu Desiderio The Flight of Sodom and Gomorrah Oil on canvas Framed with Black wood and golden ornementation Di...
Oil
Painting 19th Century Landscape Antique Ruins
By Alfred August Felix Bachman
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
BACHMANN Alfred Félix August (1863-1956) Walking by the Antique Ruins Oil on canvas signed low right Frame gilded with gold leaves Dim canvas : 54 X 65 ...
Oil
Little Girl, Figurative, 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: 2016 Style: Impressionism Title: Little Girl Size: 22" x 28" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
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
Antoni Costa Woman. original figurative academician drawing painting
By A. Costa
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
woman. original figurative academician drawing painting.. frame Barcelona, 1904 - Barcelona, 1965 It was formed in Buenos Aires, in the Circle of San Lucas of Barcelona and the FAD....
Paper, Graphite
Samantha Haring "Release" Oil on paper on panel
Located in New York, NY
Samantha Haring "Release," 2024 Oil on paper on panel 20 x 20 in. (hari021)
Paper, Oil, Panel
Jules TOULOT (1863-nc) Painting 19th century soldier uniform interior
By Toulot Jules
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Toulot Jules (1863-nc) Pianist officer in the Second Empire period Oil on canvas signed low right Old frame regilded with gold leaves Dim canvas : 65 X 43 cm Dim frame : 90 X 67 cm TOULOT Jules (1863-nc) French painter 19th century Born 11th November 1863 in Champeinx (Puy de Dôme...
Oil
MARINA DI NAPOLI - Gouache anonymous artist, Italy 2000s
Located in Napoli, IT
Gouache, also known in the French form gouache, is a type of tempera color made heavier and more opaque by the addition of a white pigment mixed with gum arabic. The result is precis...
Gouache
After Storm, Seascape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: After Storm Size: 11" x 16" x 0.8'' ...
Oil, Canvas
$445Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Eyes
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Eyes Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Acrylic on Paper Size: 18.25 (Height) x 14.75 (Width) Signed: No Condition: G...
Acrylic
$667Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Illustrations of an Equine Skeletal and Dental Structures
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Illustrations of an Equine Skeletal and Dental Structures Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil and Pen on Paper Size: 19.75 (Height) x 25.75...
Pencil, Pen
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...
Oil Crayon, Oil