Encompassing centuries of change in Europe between 1300 and 1800, from booms of prosperity to bloody revolutions, Old Masters describes a wide range of artists. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked during this era.
The 15th century’s expansive trade and commerce spread culture across borders. A vibrant period of art emerged, bolstered by studies of anatomy and nature that influenced a new visual realism. From Raphael and Michelangelo in the Renaissance to Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer in the Dutch Golden Age, artists expressed emotion, naturalism, color and light in new ways. El Greco and Paolo Veronese were leaders in the dramatic style of Mannerism, while Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens demonstrated the movement and meticulous detail of Baroque art.
Historically, most attention was concentrated on male artists, but recent research and exhibitions have elevated the impactful work of women such as Rachel Ruysch and Artemisia Gentileschi. In late-18th-century France, female artists like Adélaïde Labille-Guiard and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun were prominent names. Nevertheless, access to the academies and guilds was highly restricted for women, and even those able to establish practices were expected to adhere to portraits and still lifes rather than the grand history paintings being created by men.
Find a collection of Old Masters prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors and other art on 1stDibs.
Figures in a Landscape - 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil on Panel Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A very interesting 17th century Dutch Old Master oil on panel depicting figures in a landscape with one figure on a white horse. Excellent quality painting similar to the work of Ph...
Oil, Panel
$5,625Sale Price|25% Off
18th Century European Portrait of an Angel, Oil on Canvas
Located in SANTA FE, NM
18th Century European Portrait of an Angel, Oil on Canvas Unsigned 19 x 14 1/4 inches This lovely and sensitively painting has been examined by a professional restorer who was forme...
Canvas, Oil
View of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unknown artist (Naples), 19th century View of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius oil on metal plate unframed: 7.8 cm (3.1 in) diameter framed: 20.5 × 20.5 cm (8.1 × 8.1 in) Thi...
Metal
Fine 17th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Portrait of the Madonna
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of the Madonna in Prayer 17th Century Italian School oil on board, framed framed: 6.75 x 6 inches board: 5 x 4 inches Provenance: private collection, England Condition: ver...
Oil
Fine 1700's Italian Old Master Oil Painting Portrait of St. Peter
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
St. Peter Italian, 18th century oil on canvas, laid on panel panel: 9.75 x 8 inches Provenance: private collection, Paris Condition: very good condition For more any more informati...
Oil
$5,103
Fine Antique Classical Roman Landscape Figures Boats Merchant Port Ancient City
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheeba British School, early 19th century, apparently unsigned though the previous owner insisted it was. after the earlier painting by Claude Lorrai...
Oil
Huge Antique Oil Painting Oval Portrait of Mary Magdalene Holding Ointment Jar
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Mary Magdalene with an Ointment Jar Spanish School, early 20th century, unsigned after the earlier 16th century painting by Jan van Scorel oil on panel, framed framed: 4...
Oil
The standard bearer
By Jacques Francois Joseph Swebach-Desfontaines
Located in Genève, GE
Work on wood Oil on panel depicting a lively military scene, attributed to Jacques Swebach, known as Swebach-Desfontaines (1769–1823), a French painter celebrated for his battle scenes, cavalry subjects, and historical genre compositions. The painting features a mounted standard bearer leading a small group of cavalrymen, accompanied by figures on foot, advancing through an open landscape beneath a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. The dynamic arrangement of figures, the expressive postures, and the detailed rendering of horses demonstrate the artist’s keen observational skills and narrative clarity—hallmarks of Swebach’s work. The color palette is composed of warm browns, earthy ochres, and muted blue-grey tones, creating a balanced yet animated atmosphere. The handling of paint is fluid and confident, with careful modeling of the figures and a sensitive treatment of light, particularly in the sky. The composition reflects the strong influence of 17th-century Flemish and Dutch painting, which played a significant role in Swebach’s artistic formation. Executed in oil on wooden panel, a support frequently used in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for such subjects, this attributed work displays strong decorative appeal and solid pictorial quality. It is well suited for collectors of Old Master paintings, military art, and European historical scenes from the Napoleonic era. Oil on panel Oil on wood painting Attributed to Jacques Swebach Swebach Desfontaines French Old Master painting 18th century French painting Early 19th century painting Antique military painting...
Oil, Wood Panel
18th Century French Oil Portrait of an Elegant Lady, 68x56 cm
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Elegant 18th-Century French Portrait of a Young Lady This refined and captivating portrait depicts a young lady rendered with remarkable sensitivity and grace, characteristic of th...
Canvas, Oil
$4,285Sale Price|20% Off
Adoration of the Shepherds by a follower of Denys Calvaert
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unknown Italo-Flemish Artist (active circa 1600) Adoration of the Shepherds oil on copper unframed: 32 × 25.5 cm (12.6 × 10 in) framed: 43 × 37 cm (16.9 × 14.6 in) Provenance: Acq...
Copper
Huge Antique Oil Painting Portrait Fernando Álvarez de Toledo 3rd Duke of Alba
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Spanish School, early 20th century Portrait of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the 3rd Duke of Alba (1507-1582). after the 16th century painting by Anthonis Mors oil on panel, framed f...
Oil
Saint Michael Archangel Viani Paint 16/17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Antonio Maria Viani (Cremona, circa 1550 – Mantua, circa 1635) Saint Michael the Archangel Oil on canvas (78 x 61 cm – in antique frame 89 x 71 cm) On the back, traces of an a...
Oil
Huge 1700's Florentine Old Master Oil Painting Eros Triumph over Pan Male Nudes
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Triumph of Eros over Pan Florentine School, early 1700's period, unsigned oil on canvas, framed framed: 58 x 48.5 inches canvas: 50 x 40 inches Provenance: private collection, Pa...
Oil
Fine 17th Century English Old Master Oil Painting Portrait Aristocratic Lady
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Young English Aristocratic Lady English, circa 1670's period, unsigned oil on canvas laid on board, unframed canvas: 30 x 25 inches Provenance: private collection, UK C...
Canvas, Oil
$1,728
17th Century Dutch Oil Painting Figures outside Building in Ancient Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures in Landscape Dutch School, 17th century oil on wood panel, framed in antique wooden frame framed: 14.5 x 17 inches panel : 10 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, Engl...
Oil
Fine 18th Century Italian Classical Huge Oil Painting Figures Animals Landscape
By Jan Frans van Bloemen (Orizzonte)
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures & Animals in Classical Landscape circle of Jans Frans Van Bloemen (Orizzonte 1662 - 1749), unsigned oil on canvas, framed framed: 28.5 x 42.5 inches canvas: 19 x 34 inches P...
Oil
Banquet Of Herod Rubens Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Religious
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640) workshop of The Banquet of Herod Early 17th century oil on canvas (83 x 116 cm. - with antique frame 100 x 135 cm.) This exquis...
Oil
$6,741
Fine 17th Century Dutch Golden Age Old Master Oil Figures in Classical Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures in Classical Landscape Dutch School, 17th century unsigned, as is typical of the period oil on canvas, framed inscribed verso to label framed: 23 x 27 inches canvas : 20 x 24...
Oil
17th century English Birds on a pond and in flight, Ducks, Swans, Kingfisher
By Francis Barlow
Located in Woodbury, CT
Studio of Francis Barlow, English, late 17th century Birds on a Pond with Waterfowl and Birds in Flight Oil on canvas Un-signed Presented in an antique English carved wood frame A f...
Canvas, Oil
Banquet Belshazzar Francken II Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Frans Francken II (Antwerp, 1581–1642) workshop/circle The Banquet of Belshazzar Oil on canvas 98 x 115 cm In frame 121.5 x 141.5 cm The painting, which shows us a sumptuou...
Oil
$1,737Sale Price|30% Off
Antique French Old Master Oil Painting Christ Healing the Sick in Jersusalem
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Christ Healing the Sick French School, 19th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 15 x 20.5 inches Provenance: private collection, Europe Condition: some craquelure throughout, mo...
Oil
Fine Large Oil Painting Portrait of the Lady with the Fan Diego Velazquez
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of the Lady with a Fan English School, second half 20th century after Diego Velazquez's (1599-1660) original painting oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas : 36 x 28 inche...
Oil
Escuela colonial mejicana siglo XVIII - San Antonio con el niño.
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Escuela colonial mejicana; siglo XVIII. “San Antonio con el Niño”. Óleo sobre tabla. Medidas: 28 x 21 cm. Gran pieza para coleccionistas de arte religioso de calidad San Antonio de P...
Oil
Monk in a Monastic Cell, Roma, Italy
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egron Lundgren (1815–1875) Monk in a Monastic Cell signed and dated Egron Lundgren Rom 1848 oil on relined canvas unframed 62 x 50 cm (24 ½ x 19 ¾ in.) framed 79 x 68 cm (31 x 26 ¾...
Canvas, Oil
$8,961
Portrait Of Conrad Scheiffart Von Merode Zu Weilerswist, Early 17th-Century
By Gortzius Geldorp
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This distinguished early 17th-century portrait, attributed to Flemish Renaissance artist Gortzius Geldorp (1553-1618), depicts Conrad Scheiffart von Merode zu Weilerswist, a Rhenish ...
Canvas, Oil
Still Life of Game with Spaniels and Falcons in a Landscape by Carstian Luyckx
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Still Life of Game with Spaniels and Falcons in Landscape Setting Carstian Luyckx (Flemish, 1623 – c.1675) Oil on canvas Circa 1670 Unsigned 43 ½ x 59 1/8 in.; Frame 52 7/8 x 68 7/...
Canvas, Oil
Italian School, Late 17th Century Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
Located in Woodbury, CT
Italian School, Late 17th Century (circa 1670–1700) Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane Oil on panel, in a carved and gilded Baroque frame The painting is unsigned A moving devotiona...
Copper
Portrait From The Dutch School, Circa 1670, Young Lady In A Garden
Located in Firenze, IT
Portrait From The Dutch School, Circa 1670, Young Lady In A Garden Before A Balustrade. Dutch school, ca. 1670. Gouache on parchment laid down on a wooden support (oak). Dimensions...
Gouache, Parchment Paper
Portrait of a Gentleman - British Old Master c1750 art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This superb British 18th century Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to Thomas Hudson. Painted circa 1750 it is a three-quarter length standing portrait of a gentleman in ...
Oil
Portrait of a Spanish Noble Lady - 17th Century Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This stunning, large portrait oil painting is attributed to Spanish Old Master Claudio Coello who is considered the last great Spanish painter of the 17th century. It has formerly been the property of Lady Beatrice...
Oil Crayon
$11,068Sale Price|20% Off
Still Life with Oysters - The earliest known still life in Swedish art history
Located in Stockholm, SE
This previously unpublished painting was first securely attributed to Govert Dircksz Camphuysen in 1944, following an examination at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm during which the ...
Oak, Oil, Wood Panel
$34,467
River Thames by Moonlight - Large Fine 19th Century Oil Painting Nightscape 1851
By Henry Pether
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘The River Thames at Leigh by Moonlight’ by Henry Pether (1800-1880). The painting is signed by the artist and dated 1851 and is presented in a bespoke gold metal leaf frame. • Vi...
Oil
Interior of a Kitchen, c. 1840
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egron Sellif Lundgren (1815–1875) Sweden Interior of a Kitchen, c. 1840 oil on paper laid on cardboard, inscribed “Lundgren Nr. 15” on the reverse. unframed 27.5 x 20.5 cm (10 ¾ x ...
Paper, Oil, Board
Adam Eve Bloemaert Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Flemish school
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden Workshop of Abraham Bloemaert (Gorinchem 1564 - Utrecht 1651) Oil on canvas (118 x 81 cm. - in frame 129 x 91 cm.) The w...
Oil
$14,614Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 17th Century Flemish Old Master Oil Painting Figures Playing Cards
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Card Players Flemish Old Master, 17th century based on a version (in reverse) of a painting by Cornelis de Vos (Flemish 1584-1651) oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 39 x 62 inches ...
Oil, Canvas
$7,006Sale Price|20% Off
Rebecca At The Well Pietro Da Cortona Paint 17/18th Century Oil on canvas Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Rebecca at the Well Follower of Pietro da Cortona (Cortona 1596 - Rome 1669) Oil on canvas (50 x 66 cm. - Framed 63 x 84 cm.) The painting depicts the biblical episode from the...
Oil
Huge Victorian English Old Master Oil Painting Madonna & Christ Child after Dyck
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna and Christ Child English School, 19th century after the earlier painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck, unsigned oil on canvas, framed in fine elaborate gilt frame. Framed: 49...
Oil, Canvas
$23,193Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait Noblewoman Kneller 17/18th Century Paint Oil on canvas Old master Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723) Portrait of an English noblewoman, presumably Mary Capel, Countess of Essex (1679–1726) Oil on canvas 128 x 104 cm. In frame 146 x...
Oil
$4,370Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Italian Old Master Oil Painting c. 1700's The Madonna Christ Child St. John
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian Old Master, circa 1700's period oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas: 28.5 x 24 inches conditon: overall very good for its age, a fe...
Canvas, Oil
Old Master Painting Called Christ at the Column
Located in Stockholm, SE
Follower of Gerard Seghers (1591-1651) Christ at the Column oil on wood panel c. 1700s unframed 19.5 × 14 cm Provenance: Originally in the collection of Dr. Axel Munthe (1857–1949), the renowned Swedish physician and author celebrated for his philanthropic work and for founding Villa San Michele...
Oil, Wood Panel
$2,421Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 1800's Italian Grand Tour Oil Painting Figures before Classical Buildings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Arcadian View Italian School, circa 1800 Grand Tour subject oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 12 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and sound cond...
Oil
Madonna and Child - Italian 17th century religious Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This beautiful Italian religious Old Master oil painting is attributed to circle of Massimo Stanzione. Painted circa 1640, the composition is the Madonna holding baby Jesus as he sta...
Oil
$5,183Sale Price|20% Off
Large 18th Century English Oil Painting Portrait of Aristocratic Lady in Blue
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Noble Lady English artist, mid 18th century circle of Thomas Gainsborough (English 1727-1788) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 30 x 25 inches provenance: private collect...
Oil, Canvas
$1,985Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Early 1800's English Romantic Sunset Landscape Oval Panel Christies prov.
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Romantic Sunset Landsca English School, early 1800's period oil on wood panel, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 27 x 31.5 inches panel: 16 x 21.5 inches provenance: private colle...
Oil
The Lady in the Park, Oil on Canvas Signed Arnaldo De Lisio
Located in Napoli, IT
Oil painting on canvas, framed in a rich gilt frame decorated with acanthus leaf motifs. The work depicts an elegantly dressed female figure, portrayed in profile in a lush formal ga...
Oil
18th century French Old Master Portrait of a woman in oriental costume
Located in Aartselaar, BE
French 18th century old master portrait of a majestic lady dressed "à la Turque" The sitter at the viewer with a kind and enigmatic smile and twinkling eyes. She looks elegant and kind, yet also has an intelligent and determined aura, reflecting the character of someone who is in charge of her own life and destiny. De Silvestre paid great attention to her spectacular outfit, which is striking in its portrayal of the sumptuous fabrics and their decorative richness. She is wearing a luxurious royal blue robe à la...
Canvas, Oil
$2,205
Fine 17th Century Flemish Oil Painting Cavalry Skirmish Many Figures & Horses
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Cavalry Skirmish Flemish School, 17th century circle of Pieter Wouvermans, unsigned oil on canvas, framed framed: 12 x 14 inches canvas: 9.5 x 11.5 inches Provenance: private col...
Oil
$2,876Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 18th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Still Life Fruit in Basket
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Still Life of Fruit in Basket with other objects Italian artist, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24.5 x 33 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition:...
Oil
$5,421Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 17th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Madonna with Christ Child
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna & Christ Child Italian, 17th century oil on wood panel, unframed board: 9.5 x 7.5 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: very good and sound condition fo...
Oil
$2,647Sale Price|20% Off
Large Traditional Dutch River Landscape with Old Town & Houses Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Landscape in Holland (titled verso) Dutch School, 20th century signed oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 30 x 42 inches canvas: 24 x 36 inches provenance: private collection, Eng...
Oil, Canvas
$551Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Classical Still Life Oil Painting Ornate Flowers in Vase Gilt Framed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Still Life of Flowers French School, early 20th century oil on board, framed framed: 12 x 8.5 inches board: 11 x 8.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition...
Oil
Apollo Marsyas Batoni Paint 18th CEntury Oil on canvas Old master Mythological
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Apollo and Marsyas Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (Lucca 1708 – Rome 1787) circle oil on canvas (65 x 83 cm. - framed 84 x 102 cm.) Provenance: Private collection, Rome The subject...
Oil
$4,136Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Bathers by Wooden Pool Carved Wood Frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Bathers by the Woodland Pool Dutch School, 17th century circle of Cornelis van Poelenburgh (1594-1667) oil on copper, framed framed: 13 x 15 i...
Oil
$4,853Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique Oil Painting The Mona Lisa after da Vinci's Famous Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Mona Lisa after Leonardo da Vinci French artist, 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: good and sound condi...
Oil, Canvas
$14,090Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil on Panel Angelic Visitation to Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Angelic Visitation Dutch School, mid 17th century circle of Rembrandt (Dutch 1606-1669) oil on wooden panel, framed in faux tortoiseshell style frame. framed: 25 x 28.75 painting...
Oil, Wood Panel
$2,205Sale Price|20% Off
Very Large Antique French Old Master Oil Painting after Rembrandt, self portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, 19th century, after the earlier work by Rembrandt Title: Self portrait of the artist Medium: oil on canvas, framed in antique gilt swept frame. Fra...
Oil
$9,926Sale Price|20% Off
HUGE 17thC ITALIAN OLD MASTER OIL PAINTING - KING & COURT FIGURES ROMAN BUILDING
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Italian School, 17th century. Title: A King and Queen before court figures, amidst a classical landscape with Roman columns. Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,102Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Classical Still Life Flower Painting Signed & Dated English Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Still Life of Flowers English artist, 20th century signed oil on board, unframed dated 1980 board: 14.5 x 11.5 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: overall ...
Oil
$8,795Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 18th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Figures & Animals Arcadian
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Arcadian Landscape Italian School, 18th century oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 32 x 40 inches condition: excellent condition for its age, fully restored. provenance: from a private collection in Paris, France. Large scale classical 18th century Italian Old Master...
Canvas, Oil
"A Triumphant Cockerel Crowing Over His Victory" Melchior Hondecoeter (after)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"The Victor (A Triumphant Cockerel Crowing Over His Victory...)" After Melchior de Hondecoeter (Flemish, 1636-1695) Oil on canvas Unsigned 40 1/2 x 34 1/4 (frame) inches This much copied painting is a masterfully executed portrait of a strutting and triumphant rooster painted...
Canvas, Oil