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.
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"...
Canvas, Acrylic
Lavenders, 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: Lavenders Size: 15.5" x 23.5" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Canvas, Oil
The Wave, 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: 2018 Style: Impressionism Title: The Wave Size: 16" x 20" x 0.8'' inc...
Canvas, Oil
$1,300
Playing with Sand, Figurative, Coastal, 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: Playing with Sand Size: 22" x 28" x ...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Canvas, Oil
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
“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...
Oil, Fiberboard
$553Sale 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
$553Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Hoof
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Hoof Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Watercolor on card Size: 19.75 (Height) x 12.5 (Width) Signed: No Condition: ...
Pencil, Watercolor
Ponte Rialto in Venice Landscape Painting Oil on Canvas with Frame
Located in Rome, IT
Early 20' Century large cityscapes of Venice oil on canvas with a finely carved gilt wood frame. Rialto Bridge painting is beautiful reminder of Venice, Italy's iconic bridge. The...
Oil
Landscape, Paysage aux Bories
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...
Oil
Departure of the infantrymen for the war of 14, signed
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas signed lower right Dimension with frame 70 x 80 x 6 cm This striking work captures a group of French soldiers marching determinedly along a dusty road, with the distan...
Oil
“Shipping in Southampton Water”
By Ebenezer Colls
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a large sailing vessel traveling through Southampton waters in England in a dramatic sunset. The artist is the well known British marine artist Ebe...
Canvas, Oil
Tug Seascape Original oil Painting on Linen, Framed
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Seascape Original oil Painting on Linen, Framed Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2021 Style: Impressio...
Canvas, Oil
$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
$448Sale Price|20% Off
"Epesses, Switzerland" by Monique Monod - Pencil and watercolor
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Silver wood frame with glass pane 36 x 46 x 1,5 cm
Watercolor, Pencil
$400Sale Price|20% Off
River and snowy mountains by G. E. Haberjahn - Watercolor on paper 16x21 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Gabriel Eduard HABERJAHN was an artist born in Switzerland in 1890 and died in 1956. His works have been sold at public auction 85 times, mostly in the Painting category. The oldest ...
Watercolor
$3,947Sale Price|40% Off
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...
Oil, Wood Panel
The Librarian Portrait, 19th Century, Oil on Canvas, Framed
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas : 61 x 43 cm Golden frame With frame : 70 x 52.7 x 4 cm This 19th-century portrait by an anonymous artist shows an elderly man seated at his desk, engrossed in writing...
Canvas, Oil
“Cordes”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on board painting of the historic village of Cordes-sur-Ciel in France by the well known American artist, David Buckley Good. Signed lower left by the artist. Titled ...
Oil, Board
“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
“Montalcino”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on board painting of the historic town of Montalcino in Italy by the well known American artist, David Buckley Good. Signed by the artist lower left. Titled verso. Gr...
Oil, Board
“Venice”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil painting on wooden panel of a bustling Venice square by the American artist, Albert Munghard. Signed by the artist lower right. Circa 1975. Condition is excellent. Th...
Oil, Wood Panel
$3,289
Bonaventure LAURENS Landscape painting View GRENOBLE from mountain French 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Joseph Bonaventure LAURENS (Attributed to) Carpentras, 1801 – Montpellier, 1890 View of Grenoble from the heights Oil on canvas mounted on cardboard 35.5 x 42.5 cm (46.5 x 54.5 ...
Oil
$2,832Sale Price|41% Off
“View of Switzerland”
By John William Casilear
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautiful oil on fiberboard painting of a view of Switzerland done by the American artist, John William Casilear. Signed with monogram lower left. Condition is excellent. Circa 1857/1858. The painting is housed in a contemporary frame. Overall framed measurements are 6 5/8 by 8 5/8 inches. lProvenance: Long Island, New York collector. Biography John William Casilear was born in New York City on June 25, 1811. Like his fellow Hudson River School landscapists Asher B. Durand and John F. Kensett, he worked as an engraver before turning to painting. In 1826 Casilear was apprenticed to the engraver Peter Maverick (1780-1831), and at first he primarily executed bank notes. Durand encouraged him to attempt other subjects, however, and during the 1830s he madeengravings after some of the most prominent paintings of the day, including Daniel Huntington's The Sybil (New-York Historical Society). In 1832 he began submitting engravings to the National Academy of Design exhibition and he first showed paintings there in 1836. In 1833 Casilear was elected an Associate of the Academy; he was elevated to full Academician status in 1851. In 1840 Casilear accompanied Durand, Kensett, and another painter, Thomas P. Rossiter (1818-1871), on a trip to Europe. There the artists studied and copied paintings...
Fiberboard, Oil
"Habenero, " Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Thane Gorek's (US based) "Habenero" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an orange Habanero pepper halved, so that it's seeds and core are ex...
Oil, Canvas
"Red Bell II, " Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Thane Gorek's (US based) "Red Bell II" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a red bell pepper halved, so that it's seeds and core are exposed...
Oil, Board
$1,750
'Rider at Sunset' Equestrian and Horse Oil on Canvas Painting by Chris Brizzard
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The rapid pace of the ride over a country landscape and the relationship between the rider and horse are felt in this oil on canvas painting by Chris Brizzard...
Canvas, Oil
$1,200Sale Price|50% Off
“Dead Gull”
By John Duncan
Located in Southampton, NY
In original gold leaf pierced frame Signed and dated lower right 1902 Sight size 7.5 x 9.5 in
Paper, Watercolor
$18,183
Skull and Butterflies - Oil Painting Colors Red Black Brown Beige Grey White
By Lyubena Fox
Located in Sofia, BG
"Skull and butterflies " Oil on canvas (Painting with restored frame 19th century 83x66 cm.) Comes with symbolism plaque/label* Through philosophy the mind flourishes The human mind (portrayed by the skull) flourishes and thrives (depicted by the butterflies, used as a positive symbol and symbolize resurrection) through philosophy and understanding oneself (books represent knowledge). Just like the caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies, able to grasp more of the world, the mind has the ability to transform and gain a greater comprehension. Painted entirely from life The Painting’s Qualities Lyubena Fox...
Canvas, Oil
“Checco vuol un Soldo” (Checco wants a Penny)
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on wooden panel painting of a young child begging for a coin. The painting is attributed to the hand of Leopoldo Dumini. Circa 1865...
Wood Panel, Oil
small oil landscape "Village 3"
Located in Zofingen, AG
small oil landscape on cardboard “Village 3”, drawn by Natalya Shiporina, signed to the verso. The painting is part of a series of three paintings...
Cardboard, Oil
"Still Life with Cherries, Grapes" Annie L. Morgan, Academic Fruit Still Life
Located in New York, NY
Annie L. Morgan Still Life with Cherries, Grapes, and Pomegranate, circa 1880 Signed lower left Oil on canvas 20 x 16 inches
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Coup de Vent
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 wor...
Canvas, Oil
19th C. German painting of figures at a waterfall in the manner of Friedrich
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A very romantic and detailed painting of figures enjoying the views of a waterfall in summertime, Europe Circle of Caspar David Friedrich (German, 1774 – 1840) Elegant company at th...
Canvas, Paper, Oil
La nina a la cadira - Técnica mixta y collage sobre papel
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
JAUME QUERALT (Tarragona, 1949). “Raquel”. Técnica mixta y collage sobre papel. Firmado y titulado en el ángulo inferior izquierdo. Fechado en el ángulo inferior derecho. Medidas:...
Pastel
$3,349Sale Price|20% Off
Painting Belgian 19th animal painter VERBOECKHOVEN woodLandscape cow sheperdess
Located in PARIS, FR
Eugène VERBOECKHOVEN Warneton, 1798 – Schaerbeek, 1881 Oil on wood panel 42 x 33.5 cm (58 x 50 cm with the frame) Signed, dated and located lower right “EJ Verboeckhoven / 1826 / à G...
Oil
Sir Beauchamp, 1880-90 - oil paint, 73x62 cm, framed
Located in Nice, FR
Oil on canvas with its original frame.
Oil
French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - Humeurs Éthérisées
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 wor...
Canvas, Oil
Classic Still Life with Fan and Flowers
Located in New York, NY
Still Life, 20th Century Oil on board Sight: 16 1/4 x 19 in. Framed: 19 3/4 x 22 1/4 x 1 in.
Oil, Board
$2,900Sale Price|22% Off
“Alpine Cottages”
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautiful oil on canvas painting of Alpine cottages by the German artist, Karl Schaette. Signed lower left “Schaette, Muchen”. Condition is very good. Slight crazing in the trees. Tiny repaired puncture in the sky. Circa 1930. The painting is framed in its original Newcomb Macklin gold leaf frame. Overall measurements framed are 36.5 by 36.5 inches. Provenance: A Long Island, New York estate. Carl Schaette (1884 - 1951) was active/lived in Germany. Carl Schaette is known for Landscape painting and belonged to the Munich school...
Canvas, Oil
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
$39,996Sale Price|20% Off
Sans titre (1881), James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A.
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A. (1816-1877) Title: Sans titre (1881) Year: 1881 Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 37 x 29 inches Inscription: Hand signed and dated, recto Provenance...
Oil
$4,200Sale Price|26% Off
"California Sunset"
By Charles Theller Wilson
Located in Southampton, NY
A truly magnificent oil on canvas painting of a sunset off the coast of California in the late 1800's. Signed lower right and in it's original period gold gilt frame which is in excellent condition. Overall it is 33 x 47 inches. Minor stretcher bar wear. Biography Charles Theller Wilson Born in San Francisco, CA on Oct. 10, 1855. Wilson first studied painting with his mother, Agnes (California's earliest known woman artist) and later with Jules Tavernier...
Canvas, Oil
$1,722Sale Price|20% Off
Las costureras - Óleo sobre lienzo
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
$5,200Sale Price|38% Off
“The Harem Girl”
By Konrad Filip
Located in Southampton, NY
Here for your consideration is an intriguing portrait of a young harem girl in costume by the German artist, Konrad Filip. Signed by the artist top right, Munich. Condition is very ...
Canvas, Oil
"Still Life with Figure"
Located in Southampton, NY
This painting is an oil on canvas mounted to a wood panel. It is signed with his monogram signature JTA lower right. The work is unframed. Axton was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kan...
Oil, Canvas
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Black-Headed Gull
By John Duncan
Located in Southampton, NY
In original gold leaf pierced frame Signed and dated lower left 1902 Sight size 6 x 8 in
Paper, Watercolor
$637Sale Price|20% Off
Early English watercolour of cottage on lane in Pirbright Constable Contemporary
Located in Harkstead, GB
A very attractive view of a rural lane in Pirbright by this highly collectable artist who was a contemporary and friend of John Constable. Dr William Crotch (1775-1847) Mr Pear's House at Pirbright from the Turnpike Signed with initials on reverse and inscribed as title and additionally " Thunder about/ 1 pm" watercolour and pencil 4 x 6½ inches without frame 11 x 13 inches with frame William Crotch (5 July 1775 – 29 December 1847) was an English composer and organist. According to the British musicologist Nicholas Temperley, Crotch was "a child prodigy without parallel in the history of music", and was certainly the most distinguished English musician in his day. Crotch was a professional musician, becoming the first Principal of the Royal Academy of Music...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
"The Working Man"
By R.V. Rowe
Located in Southampton, NY
34 x 28 overall Canvas laid down on artist board Signed lower right Overall in gold leaf frame 30x24 inches R.W. Rowe Circa 1970’s
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Woman in Red, Oil on Canvas, Academic Style, 1890s
Located in New York, NY
Oil on canvas. Signed upper right. A characteristic work by Henner, renowned for his masterful handling of sfumato and chiaroscuro to evoke atmosphere and depth. His subtle transiti...
Oil, Cardboard
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 ...
Pencil
"Portrait of a Woman" Edward Percy Moran, Early American Portrait, Bucolic
Located in New York, NY
Edward Percy Moran Portrait of a Woman Signed lower right Oil on canvas 30 x 20 inches Provenance: The Madison Gallery, Atlanta Percy Moran was the son of marine painter Edward Mo...
Canvas, Oil
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
$1,800Sale Price|36% Off
“Child in White Dress”
Located in Southampton, NY
Circa 1890 Signed verso on stretcher bar Original period gold leaf frame Overall size framed 21 x 18 in
Canvas, Oil
A Sylvan Toilette -- ca. 1898
Located in Mc Lean, VA
Exhibited: Society of American Artists, New York, 1898 Intimate Revelations: The Art of Carroll Beckwith, Berry-Hill Galleries, New York, 1 December 1999-15 January 2000, no. 49 Li...
Canvas, Oil
Homecoming Of The Sea
Located in Naples, Florida
This coastal scene depicts a young child standing by the sea, holding a small spade and gazing toward the horizon. Soft light and delicate color convey innocence, quiet anticipation,...
Oil, Canvas
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
"Stil life with Lobster"
By Martha A. Brockway
Located in Southampton, NY
Oil on canvas still life painting of a wine bottle along with a lobster. Signed lower left. Circa 1880. The painting is housed in its original monumental wood gesso and gilt Victoria...
Canvas, Oil
$1,315Sale Price|54% Off
Young Peasants at Rest, Oil on Board, Academic Style, Signed, 1890s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Young Peasants at Rest Artist: Adrián de Unzueta (Mexico, 1865 – first half of the 20th century) Medium: Oil on panel Dimensions: 35 x 26 cm (13.8 x 10.2 in) Framed dimens...
Oil, Board