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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
Potted daffodils - Still life oil on canvas
Potted daffodils - Still life oil on canvas

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

Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

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

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

Stack, Landscape, 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: Stack Size: 12" x 17" x 0.8'' inch, ...

Category

2010s 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

“Venice”
“Venice”

“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...

Category

1970s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Original French Anatomical Study of a Horse's Hind Legs
Original French Anatomical Study of a Horse's Hind Legs

Original French Anatomical Study of a Horse's Hind Legs

By Robert Ladou

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Original French Anatomical Study of a Horse's Hind Legs Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on paper Size: 20 (Height) x 13.5 (Width) Signed: No Condition:...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Pencil

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: 11.75 x 14.5...

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil

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

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

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

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

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

Solothman on the Aase, Switzerland
Solothman on the Aase, Switzerland

Solothman on the Aase, Switzerland

By Eugene Schmidt

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: Eugene Schmidt (German/American, 1919-2007) Title: Solothman on the Aase, Switzerland Year: Circa 1970 Medium: Oil on canvas board Board size: 10 x 8 inches Signature...

Category

Late 20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

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

"California Sunset"
"California Sunset"

"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...

Category

1980s 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

Seated Woman
Seated Woman

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...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

MARINA DI NAPOLI - Gouache anonymous artist, Italy 2000s
MARINA DI NAPOLI - Gouache anonymous artist, Italy 2000s

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...

Category

1990s Academic Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Still-Life Painting of Box and Bag, Oil on Canvas, 1940s, Unframed
Still-Life Painting of Box and Bag, Oil on Canvas, 1940s, Unframed

Still-Life Painting of Box and Bag, Oil on Canvas, 1940s, Unframed

Located in Genève, GE

Modernist Still Life Signed Bovy Lysberg, 1943 – Surrealist Symbolist Oil on Canvas This exceptional oil on canvas signed Bovy Lysberg and dated 1943 presents a striking modernist st...

Category

1940s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Still life pear and grape - Oil on canvas 25x30 cm
Still life pear and grape - Oil on canvas 25x30 cm

Still life pear and grape - Oil on canvas 25x30 cm

Located in Geneva, CH

Oil on canvas with frame unsigned Total size with frame 31x39 cm

Category

20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

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

Rural Scene Oil Painting, 19th Century Academic Style, Signed 1878
Rural Scene Oil Painting, 19th Century Academic Style, Signed 1878

Rural Scene Oil Painting, 19th Century Academic Style, Signed 1878

Located in Genève, GE

An elegant and evocative example of 19th-century figurative painting, combining narrative charm with timeless decorative sophistication. Monogrammed lower right and dated 1878. A charming and finely executed 19th-century European genre painting, oil on canvas, monogrammed L.A. and dated 1878. The composition depicts a tender rural scene: a young peasant woman pouring a drink for a seated farm worker resting beside a rocky outcrop, his scythe laid across his lap. In the background, a pastoral landscape unfolds with grazing livestock, distant figures, and tall trees, evoking the quiet rhythms of agrarian life. Rendered with academic precision and warm naturalistic color, the painting captures both the dignity of rural labor and the intimacy of everyday moments. The artist demonstrates particular skill in the modeling of the figures, the textures of clothing, and the atmospheric depth of the landscape. Soft light bathes the scene, enhancing the harmonious palette of earth tones, greens, and warm reds. Works of this type were highly prized in late 19th-century Europe, reflecting the period’s fascination with pastoral virtue and traditional country life. The painting offers both historical character and strong decorative appeal, making it suitable for collectors of antique European art as well as refined interior settings. 19th century genre painting, antique oil painting 1878, European peasant painting, rural genre scene painting, antique figurative oil painting, pastoral scene antique, farm worker painting, peasant couple painting, academic oil painting 19th century, Continental school painting...

Category

1870s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

The Librarian Portrait, 19th Century, Oil on Canvas, Framed
The Librarian Portrait, 19th Century, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

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

Early English watercolour of cottage on lane in Pirbright Constable Contemporary
Early English watercolour of cottage on lane in Pirbright Constable Contemporary

Early English watercolour of cottage on lane in Pirbright Constable Contemporary

By Dr William Crotch

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...

Category

Early 19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Pencil

"Red Bell II, " Oil painting

"Red Bell II, " Oil painting

By Thane Gorek

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...

Category

2010s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

“The Harem Girl”
“The Harem Girl”

“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 ...

Category

Early 1900s 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

“Alpine Cottages”
“Alpine Cottages”

“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...

Category

1930s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Floral Bouquet”
“Floral Bouquet”

“Floral Bouquet”

Located in Southampton, NY

Beautiful and vibrant oil on canvas painting of a floral bouquet in a vase attributed to the hand of Charles Alfred Meurer. Verified as being painted by Charles Meurer by his daught...

Category

1920s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Torah Scholar, Shimshon Holzman

Torah Scholar, Shimshon Holzman

By Shimshon Holzman

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Shimshon Holzman (1907-1986) Title: Torah Scholar Year: 1962 Medium: Watercolor and graphite on wove paper Size: 13.75 x 19.75 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed...

Category

1960s Academic Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Graphite

“Flowers in Classical Urn”
“Flowers in Classical Urn”

“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...

Category

1870s Academic Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sans titre (1881), James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A.
Sans titre (1881), James Drummond, R.S.A., F.S.A.

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...

Category

1880s Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil

19th Century gouache of a visit to Pompei on the Grand Tour
19th Century gouache of a visit to Pompei on the Grand Tour

19th Century gouache of a visit to Pompei on the Grand Tour

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Neapolitan school (early 19th Century) A visit to Pompei on the the Grand Tour Gouache on paper Inscribed ‘Porzione del quartiere a Pompei’ and ‘In Nap...

Category

19th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

1974 oil painting still life of squashes and glass  by British George Weissbort
1974 oil painting still life of squashes and glass  by British George Weissbort

1974 oil painting still life of squashes and glass by British George Weissbort

By George Weissbort

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

George Weissbort (Belgian / British, 1928 – 2013) SQUASHES AND A GLASS OF WATER Oil on canvasboard 18.1/4 x 21.3/8 in. (46.3 x 55.4 cm.) George Weissbort was born in Brussels in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

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.