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.
$9,713
Journey to the Center of the Soul III: Figurative Oil Painting, 160x130cm, 2017
Located in BARCELONA, ES
“The Journey Home series” begins with the image of a young girl seated inside an old train carriage. The work is rooted in Alena’s personal memories of returning with her daughters t...
Canvas, Oil
“Apples, Plums and Raspberries”
By George Clare
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas still life paint of assorted fruit attributed to the hand of the well known British botanical artist, George Clare. Unsigned. Condition is very good. Circa 18...
Canvas, Oil
$9,713
Rendezvous with Franz Marcs Horse: Figurative Oil Painting, 2022, 140x130cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This piece emerges from Alena’s interest in the work of the German Expressionist painter Franz Marc, particularly his way of constructing compositions through areas of color and frag...
Canvas, Oil
$9,713
Rendezvous with Franz Marc's Fox: Figurative Oil Painting, 160x130cm, 2021
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This piece emerges from Alena’s research into the work of the German Expressionist painter Franz Marc. Drawn to the way Marc structured his compositions through areas of colour and t...
Canvas, Oil
Landscape from French Provence, Painting 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
PONSON Etienne Aimé (1850-1924) French Provence Mediterenean Landscape Oils on canvas in Pair signed low Old frames gilded with leaves Dim canvas (each...
Oil
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
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
Seated Woman
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Seated Woman, 1884 Oil on board 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm) Framed dimensions: 15 1/2 x 13 1/4 inches Signed lower right: Thos. P Anshutz. Dated lower left: 1884– Provenance Priv...
Oil, Board
Portrait of Theresa Rogers
By Leon Kroll
Located in Miami, FL
Portrait of Theresa Rogers Housed in a period hand carved wood frame. Some scatter minor paint loss and stretcher marks otherwise presents very well Signature: Signed lower right T...
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
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Head
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Head Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pen Size: 19.75 (Height) x 12.75 (Width) Signed: No Condition: Good, minor di...
Pen
“Market Scene Strasbourg, France”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a bustling marketplace in Strasbourg, France. Signed by the artist lower left “P. Denarie”. Circa 1875. Condition is very good. The painting is ...
Canvas, Oil
Young Lady With Parasol in The garden
By Eugène Charles Picou
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
PICOU Eugène Charles (1831–1914) - "Young Girl with parasol" - Oil on canvas signed lower left - Old frame gilded with leaf - Canvas size: 61 X 50 cm...
Oil
Edgard CUGNOTET - Painting 19th Century - Portrait of Two Children
By Edouard Ferdinand Ludovic Cugnotet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
CUGNOTET Edgard (19th Century) Portrait of two Children Oil on canvas signed low left and dated 1884 Frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 138 X 100 cm Dim Frame : 162 X 122 cm CUGNOTET Edgard Ferdinand Ludovic (19th Century) French painter 19th Century born in Dijon Figures, Portraits, Landscapes He was taught by François Édouard PICOT (1786-1868) royal Academy of Anvers. He exhibited at the Salon de Paris between 1868 and 1884. Museum : Langres « the hurdy gurdy...
Oil
GRISAILLE 19th Century - Cherubs asleep
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 Old frame re-gilded Dim canvas : 33 X ...
Oil
Muse, Women Portrait, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2016 Style: Portrait Surrealism, Title: Muse, Size: 19.5" x 19.5" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,200Sale Price|31% Off
“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...
Oil, Board
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
“Nasturtiums in Blue Vase”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of nasturtiums in a blue vase. Signed lower left. Appears to be L.I.S. Wallace. Unknown artist. American school; circa 1890. Original pierced gold p...
Canvas, Oil
In the Beach, figurative art 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: 2021 Style: Impressionism Title: In the Beach Size: 19.5" x 27.5" x 0...
Canvas, Oil
$264Sale Price|20% Off
Granny with glasses by Hans Berger - Engraving 50x39 cm
By Hans Berger
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Ed: 24/100
Charcoal, Engraving
$540Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil
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
$1,500Sale Price|25% Off
Autumn Valley, Landscape Art, 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: Autumn Valley Size: 15.5" x 22" x 0....
Canvas, Oil
$452Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Canvas, Oil
The Swing - Romantic Scene in the Garden
By Antonio Cerveto
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
CERVETO RIBA Antonio (1876-1938) "The swing" Oil on canvas signed low right Gault frame (Paris) Dim canvas : 60 X 80 cm Dim frame : 81 X 102 cm CERVETO RIB...
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
Charming Italian Tuscan villa landscape with cow and pheasant. 19th century
Located in GB
A luminous and atmospheric view of a grand Tuscan villa nestled within rolling countryside, painted in the refined Romantic tradition of the 19th-century Italian school. Bathed in wa...
Canvas, Oil
$3,600Sale Price|33% Off
“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...
Canvas, Oil
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Seashore, Coastal Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
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...
Canvas, Oil
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Alexandroupolis, Seascape Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Seascape 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: Impressioni...
Canvas, Oil
Ocean, Seascape Impressionism Original oil Painting, 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: Ocean, Size: 16.5" x 21.5" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Flowers in a Big Vase by Albert Duplain - Oil on canvas 62x74 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Albert Duplain (1890-1978) was a Swiss painter known for his depictions of Swiss landscapes and scenes of everyday life. His works, characterized by vibrant colors and a strong conne...
Oil, Canvas
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
Roses, 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: 2020 Style: Impressionism Title: Roses Size: 19.5" x 23.5" x 0.8'' in...
Canvas, 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
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 ...
Carbon Pencil
$680Sale Price|20% Off
“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...
Canvas, Oil, Board
$1,500Sale Price|25% Off
Time of Seeding, Landscape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Landscape, 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: Impressi...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Carbon Pencil
Path, Landscape 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: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Path, Size: 9" x 13.5" x 0.8'' inch...
Canvas, Oil
Vienna, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind, cityscape
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ara H. Hakobyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2015 Style: Impressionism Title: Vienna Size: 9" x 12" x 0.8'' inch,...
Canvas, Oil
$975Sale Price|45% Off
“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...
Oil, Board
$1,200
Roses, Still Life 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: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Roses Size: 23.5" x 23.5" x 0.8'' i...
Canvas, Oil
$704Sale Price|20% Off
Farm, landscape 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: Farm Size: 12" x 17" x 0.8'' inch, (...
Canvas, Oil
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse's Eye's and Nose
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse's Eye's and Nose Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on Paper Size: 20 (Height) x 13.75 (Width) Signed: ...
Pencil
$1,120Sale Price|30% Off
Summer Field, Landscape, 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: Summer Field Size: 15.5" x 21.5" x 0...
Canvas, 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
George BARRETT Landscape irish Painting Scotland waterfall mountains Late 18th
Located in PARIS, FR
George Barrett Senior Dublin, 1728/32 – Paddington, 1784 Lively Landscape with waterfall and mountains Oil on canvas 28 x 42 cm (40 x 52 cm with frame) Trace of a signature lower cen...
Oil
Young Man in Firelight, ca. 1880 - Dramatic French 19th Century Oil Portrait
Located in Norwich, GB
A dramatic and highly unusual late 19th-century oil study, far removed from conventional portraiture of the period. A young man turns his head downwards, his features caught in an e...
Canvas, Oil
Woman offering corn, 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: 2016 Style: Impressionism Title: Woman offering Corn Size: 22" x 28" ...
Canvas, Oil
$9,141Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Figurative Bacchanal Painting on Four Wood Panels Botanical Interior
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Large contemporary figurative painting on four wooden panels depicting a modern Bacchanalian gathering surrounded by an immersive botanical landscape, where mythology, ornament and c...
Fabric, Acrylic, Board, Spray Paint
Antique SUNSET VIEW OF SAN LAZZARO, VENICE
Located in New York, NY
Up for sale is a wonderful Italian Venetian Sunset painting by Bernhard Stange (1807-1880). Painting for sale depicts SUNSET VIEW OF SAN LAZZARO, VENICE It is absolutely colorful a...
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
$1,100
Color-full Winter, Landscape Impressionism, 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: 2022 Style: Impressionism Title: Color-full Winter Size: 19.5" x 27.5...
Oil, Acrylic
Venice with characters
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
COUSIN Charles (1807-1887) Venice With Characters Oil on canvas signed low right Old frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 76 X 60 cm Dim frame : 96 X 83 cm COUSIN Charles (1807-188...
Oil
$1,700
Evening Breeze, 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: 2010 Style: Impressionism Title: Evening Breeze Size: 23.5" x 31.5" x...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait Max Surrealism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2017 Style: Portrait Surrealism, Title: Portrait Max, Size: 23.5" x 19.5" ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,645Sale Price|20% Off
The Seamstresses Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Óleo sobre lienzo de Baldomer Gili Roig – Mujeres cosiendo, firmado, con marco ornamentado. Magnífica pintura al óleo sobre lienzo del reconocido artista catalán Baldomer Gili Roig ...
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
$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