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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
At the Beach, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
At the Beach, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

At 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: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: At the Beach Size: 31.5" x 39.5" x ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Muse, Women Portrait, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Muse, Women Portrait, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

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'' ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait Max Surrealism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Portrait Max Surrealism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

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" ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“French Country View”
“French Country View”

“French Country View”

Located in Southampton, NY

Very well executed oil on canvas painting of a French countryside view by J.S. Dorange. Signed lower right. Condition is very good. Circa 1920. The style is academic with more of an...

Category

1920s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

Stony 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: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: Stony Beach Size: 24" x 30" x 0.8'' ...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Three Fishermen in a Boat Watercolor, 20th Century American Sporting Art
Three Fishermen in a Boat Watercolor, 20th Century American Sporting Art

Three Fishermen in a Boat Watercolor, 20th Century American Sporting Art

By John Whorf

Located in Marco Island, FL

A masterful example of John Whorf at the height of his powers, this large and luminous watercolor depicts three fishermen on a calm, silver-blue lake or bay, their figures rendered w...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

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

Still Life in Blue, flowers, 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 Title: Still Life in Blue Size: 23.5" x 27.5" x 0.8'' inch, (60x70x2cm), 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

Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Head
Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Head

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...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Pen

Seashore, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Seashore, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

By Karen Darbinyan

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: Seashore Size: 16" x 21.5" x 0.8'' i...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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 black folder/ thick paper, unframed drawing: 11.75 x 18 inches overall size: 19.75 x 13 in...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil

Beehives, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Beehives, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

By Karen Darbinyan

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: Beehives Size: 12" x 17" x 0.8'' inc...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Boats, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Boats, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

By Karen Darbinyan

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: Boats Size: 15.5" x 21.5" x 0.8'' in...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Roses, Flowers, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Roses, Flowers, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

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...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Matterhorn”
“Matterhorn”

“Matterhorn”

Located in Southampton, NY

Here for your consideration is a wonderfully detailed miniature painting of the Matterhorn. Signed and titled verso. Attributed to the artist William Archibald Wall. Dated 6/50 verso...

Category

1850s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Fiberboard

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

“Sailing Ships off the Coast”
“Sailing Ships off the Coast”

“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...

Category

1920s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Dynamic Watercolor study of Equine Trainer with a Horse
Dynamic Watercolor study of Equine Trainer with a Horse

Dynamic Watercolor study of Equine Trainer with a Horse

By Robert Ladou

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Dynamic Watercolor study of Equine Trainer with a Horse Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Watercolour on paper Size: 7.75 (Height) x 11.25 (Width) Signed: No C...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Original French Anatomical Study of Equine Leg Muscles
Original French Anatomical Study of Equine Leg Muscles

Original French Anatomical Study of Equine Leg Muscles

By Robert Ladou

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Original French Anatomical Study of Equine Leg Muscles Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on paper Size: 19.5 (Height) x 12.75 (Width) Signed: No Conditi...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Pencil

Forest Nymph - Figurative Nude Oil Painting Colors Brown Grey Pale Blue Green
Forest Nymph - Figurative Nude Oil Painting Colors Brown Grey Pale Blue Green

Forest Nymph - Figurative Nude Oil Painting Colors Brown Grey Pale Blue Green

By Lyubena Fox

Located in Sofia, BG

"Forrest Nymph" (2016) Oil on canvas 80 x 100 cm unframed Painting was started in 2015, most of it was finished by 2016, the last touches done in 2019. Inspired by the 19th century French painter Bouguereau, she wanted to depict a nymph that inhibits the forest, wearing a flower crown made from Hepatica flowers, wild forest flowers. The Painting’s Qualities Lyubena Fox...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skull and Cervical Vertebrae
Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skull and Cervical Vertebrae

Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skull and Cervical Vertebrae

By Robert Ladou

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Skull and Cervical Vertebrae Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on Paper Size: 19.75 (Height) x 12.75 (Width) Signed: No Condition: Good, with some minor signs of aging. Provenance: From the artist's estate Description: This pencil anatomical study features the horse's skull and cervical vertebrae, emphasizing the structure and relationships of the bones and muscles in the neck and skull area. The skeletal anatomy of the horse is drawn with fine attention to the structure of the vertebrae and the attachment points of the neck ligaments. Clear lines show the defined contours of the bones. This piece would appeal to both horse anatomy enthusiasts and art collectors who appreciate the detailed study of equine physiology. Perfect for educational purposes or as part of a veterinary or anatomical art...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Pencil

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

Landscape, Original Painting, One of a Kind
Landscape, Original Painting, One of a Kind

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...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Fly to the Sky, Original Painting, One of a Kind
Fly to the Sky, Original Painting, One of a Kind

Fly to the Sky, 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: 2018 Style: Impressionism Subject: Fly to the Sky Size: 20" x 28"...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Lavenders, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Lavenders, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

By Karen Darbinyan

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: Lavenders Size: 15.5" x 23.5" x 0.8'...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Flowers on a white table cloth, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Flowers on a white table cloth, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind

Flowers on a white table cloth, 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 on a white table cloth 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

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

Fall 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: Fall Landscape Size: 24" x 30" x 0...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sunny Day, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Sunny Day, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind

Sunny Day, 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 Title: Sunny Day Size: 16" x 20" x 0.8'' in...

Category

2010s 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.