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.
Saint Raphael the Archangel – Antique Spanish Religious Oil Painting
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Spanish School – Saint Raphael the Archangel – Oil on Canvas – An impressive late 18th-century religious oil painting depicting Saint Raphael the Archangel, traditionally associate...
Canvas, Oil
Madonna and Child - 18th Century Italian Old Master Religious Oil Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A beautiful 18th century Italian Old Master oil on panel depicting the Madonna and Child. Very fine painting which is presented in a carved and gilded wood Florentine frame. Unsigned...
Oil, Panel
Fine Antique Italian Old Master Oil Painting Madonna of Sorrows
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna in Sorrow Italian School, mid 19th century after the 17th century Old Master oil painting by Sassoferrato (Uffizi, Florence) Oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 29.5 × 25 inches ...
Oil
Italian School – Nativity of Christ – Large Religious Oil Painting
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Italian School – Nativity of Christ – 18th Century – Oil on Canvas – 94 × 130 cm Oil on canvas. Unsigned. Artwork: 94 × 130 cm (37 × 51.2 in.). Framed: 114 × 149 cm (44.9 × 58.7 in.)...
Canvas, Oil
$2,751
Saint Mary Magdalene - Oil on canvas - Framed - High pictorial quality
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
No hay ninguna firma ni inscripción La obra se presenta enmarcada (el marco presenta algunos signos de uso) Medidas obra: 55 x 45 cm. Medidas del marco: 71 x 59 cm. Buen estado e...
Oil
Pair of 19th-Century Italian Alpine Oil Paintings Attributed to Giovan Battista
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Northern Italian landscape paintings from the second half of the 19th century, attributed to the Milanese painter Giovan Battista Lelli (1827–1887). The two compositions depi...
Canvas, Oil
Fine 17thC British Portrait Aristocratic Lady Holding Flowers Huge Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady Holding Flowers in a Landscape Setting English School, 17th century, circle of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) inscribed 'C Wither of Hall Place' oil on ...
Oil
Venetian School, late 15th century, Saint Paul the Apostle
Located in Stockholm, SE
Venetian School, late 15th century Saint Paul the Apostle oil on panel unframed 44.5 × 23.5 cm (17.5 × 9.3 in) framed 64 × 42 cm (25.2 × 16.5 in) No signature Provenance: Private ...
Oil, Wood Panel
17th century Flemish seascape - Stormy Sea with Merchant Vessels and dolphins
By Bonaventura Peeters the Elder
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Bonaventura Peeters the Elder (1614–1652) attr., Stormy Coastal Scene with Merchant Vessels, Galliot, and Dolphins Framed by rugged cliffs and illuminated under a dark, swirling sk...
Oil, Panel
Mediterranean Harbour with Lighthouse and Shipping
Located in Stockholm, SE
French School, late 17th Century Mediterranean Harbour with Lighthouse and Shipping oil on panel, circular composition unframed 20 cm (7.9 in) framed 33.5 × 33.5 cm (13.2 × 13.2 in...
Oil, Wood Panel
Large 19th Century Dutch Oil Floral Still Life Roses in Terracotta Vase Garden
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Large 19th Century Dutch Floral Still Life Roses in Terracotta Vase Garden Setting Oil Painting Dutch/ German artist, late 19th century indistinctly signed and dated 1896 oil on canv...
Oil
Early 18th-Century Italian Venetian Portrait Painting Tempera on Glass
Located in Roma, IT
Early 18th-Century Italian Venetian Portrait Painting on Glass This wonderful early 18th-century portrait of a lady holding a small dog is a classic example of reverse glass painting...
Glass, Tempera
18th Century German Old Master Portrait of an Elderly Bearded Man
By Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich
Located in Stockholm, SE
Circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich (1712–1774) Germany Head of an Elderly Bearded Man oil on panel unframed 28 × 22.5 cm (11 × 8.9 in) framed 44.5 × 38.5 cm (17.5 × 15.2 in...
Oil, Wood Panel
17th Century Dutch Italianate Landscape with Cattle - Prussian Royal Court
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Abraham Begeyn (1637–1697), Italianate Landscape with Ruins and Herdsmen This atmospheric and finely balanced landscape by Abraham Begeyn presents a sunlit ruin beside tranquil wate...
Oil, Panel
A classical view of a Mediterranean port
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Circle of Charles-François Lacroix de Marseilles (c. 1700-1782) A mediterranean port Oil on canvas Canvas size - 26 3/4 x 34 1/4 in Framed size - 34 x 40 in Provenance With Norman A...
Oil
$1,370Sale Price|20% Off
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
$7,395Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Pair 1700's Portraits of Moorish Prince and Princess in Carved Wood Frames
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Circle of Jean Baptiste Vanmour (French, 1671–1737) Portraits of a Moorish Prince and Princess c. 1700 Pair of oil paintings on canvas, unsigned framed in carved gilt wood frames D...
Canvas, Oil
A Dutch Whaling Fleet off the Greenland Coast
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Adam Silo (1674-1764) A Dutch Whaling Fleet off the Greenland Coast Oil on canvas No visible signature Canvas Size 16 7/8 x 24 3/8 in Framed Size 24 x 31 1/2 in Provenance With Fran...
Oil
$4,013Sale Price|20% Off
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
$3,690Sale Price|20% Off
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
$24,470
Rough Seas
By Peter Monamy
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Peter Monamy (London 1681-1749) Rough Seas Oil on canvas Signed lower right Canvas Size 18 x 24 in Framed Size 23 x 30 in Peter Monamy was an acclaimed British marine painter of the...
Oil
$1,740Sale Price|20% Off
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
$5,318Sale Price|20% Off
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
$7,598Sale Price|20% Off
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 inch...
Oil
$978Sale Price|20% Off
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
Fine 17th Century English Master Oil Painting Mother & Two Children Portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Mother with Two Children Reading English School (17th century). Canvas: 29 × 25 inches Medium: oil on canvas, unframed. Provenance: private collection, UK. Condition: good overall co...
Oil
Couple Portraits Warlord Saint Sebastian 16/17Century Oil on table Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Pair of ceiling panels Portrait of a Warlord / Portrait of Saint Sebastian Bonifacio Bembo (Brescia, 1420 – Milan, 1480) Follower of Oil on panel (each) 43 x 43 cm. Framed 55...
Oil
$7,612Sale Price|20% Off
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
Period Marine Landscape Credited to Warren Sheppard
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful painting, due to its very high quality of execution, style and era, can be referred to the great artist Warren Sheppard, who specialized in seascapes. Of great evocati...
Canvas, Oil
$15,260Sale Price|20% Off
Wedding At Cana Veronese 17/18th Century Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Paolo Caliari, known as Il Veronese (Verona, 1528 – Venice, 1588) Follower The Wedding at Cana oil on canvas 96 x 127 cm. - Framed: 114 x 145 cm. The painting, which depicts ...
Oil
$4,295Sale 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
Shipping off Jersey
By Francis Swaine
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Francis Swaine (1725-1782) Shipping of Jersey Oil on canvas Painting size 8 1/4 x 20 1/2 in Framed size Provenance with The Parker Gallery. Francis Swaine (1725–1782) was one of t...
Oil
$1,631Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 18th Century British Oil Painting Dusk Landscape Figures Boat & Lake
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Dusk Landscape British School, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed painting: 32 x 41 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and...
Oil, Canvas
$2,827Sale 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
$2,610Sale 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
$3,744Sale Price|20% Off
The Madonna with Christ Child & St. John Fine 18th Century Italian Old Master
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian School, 18th century oil on wood, framed in period gilt antique frame framed: 16 x 14.5 inches wood: 9 x 6.5 inches provenance: private...
Oil
The Famous racehorse 'Flying Childers' held by a groom
By Thomas Spencer
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Thomas Spencer (c.1740-1756) The Famous racehorse 'Flying Childers' held by a groom Oil on canvas Not Signed Canvas size 25 x 30 in Framed size 33 x 38 in Flying Childers was one of...
Oil
$2,170Sale 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
A British Man O’War in distress on a rocky coast in a storm
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Johann c. van der Hagen (1676-c.1745) A British Man O’War in distress on a rocky coast in a storm Signed 'J. vanderhagen' lower right Oil on canvas Canvas size - 38 1/2 x 51 in Framed size - 46 x 59 in Provenance The Collection the Most Hon. Marquis of Headfort at Headfort, Kells, Co. Meath; His sale, Christie's, Important Old Master Paintings, 29 November 1968, Lot 28; Private Collection, Oxfordshire Johann C. van der Hagen was a Dutch-born marine and landscape painter whose atmospheric depictions of ships, storms, and coastal scenes earned him recognition in Britain and Ireland during the first half of the eighteenth century. Although relatively obscure today, he was among the group of continental artists who helped shape the development of maritime painting outside the Netherlands during the late Baroque period. Born in The Hague in May 1676, van der Hagen trained within the strong Dutch tradition of marine painting that had flourished during the seventeenth century. Dutch artists of this era were internationally admired for their technical understanding of ships, changing weather conditions, and the dramatic effects of light upon water. Van der Hagen absorbed these influences early in his career, producing works characterised by animated seas, carefully observed rigging, and a keen sense of atmosphere. At some point in the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century, he moved to London, then one of Europe’s most important centres for maritime commerce and naval power. There he entered an artistic environment already shaped by celebrated Dutch émigré painters such as Willem van de Velde the Younger and his circle. Van der Hagen’s paintings reveal the influence of this Anglo-Dutch marine tradition, especially in his treatment of naval vessels and storm-driven seas. Contemporary records also suggest that his family became connected with artistic circles in London; one source notes that his daughter Bernada married the marine painter Cornelis van de Velde in 1699. Van der Hagen later settled in Ireland, where he appears to have been active from the 1720s onward. Dublin became his principal base, though he travelled widely and worked in several parts of the country, particularly in the south. During this period he established a reputation as a painter of landscapes and especially sea-pieces, which were admired by patrons for their lively handling and dramatic composition. Irish sources describe him as talented but somewhat eccentric and indolent, producing work irregularly and often only when financial necessity compelled him to paint. Among his documented activities was his employment in 1728 by the tapestry manufacturer Robert Baillie...
Oil
$2,605Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 19th Century French Oil Painting Classical Roman Figures Interior Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Attributed to Antoine Felix Boisselier (19th Century) French (unsigned) 'Classical figures in a bed chamber Medium: oil on canvas, with inscription verso S...
Oil
17th Century Netherlandish Portrait of Gentleman with Ruff c.1620
Located in Stockholm, SE
Provenance: The Raeburn Gallery, as by Maerten de Vos; Bukowskis, Stockholm, 15–18 April 1970, lot 133, as in the manner of Anthony van Dyck; Private collection, Sweden Essay: This ...
Oil, Wood Panel
$9,226Sale Price|30% 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
$8,646Sale 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
$3,690Sale Price|20% Off
Early 1800's English Oil Painting Figure in Rural Woodland Landscape, original
By circle of John Constable
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: English School, early 1800's, circle of John Constable (British 1776-1837) Title: The Woodland Path Medium: oil on canvas, framed, unsigned Size: 12 x 22 inches Picture: 9 x 18 inches Provence: from a private collection in East Anglia...
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
$1,631Sale Price|20% Off
Large 18th Century English Old Master Oil Painting Portrait of Lady on canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady English School, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 31 x 25 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: good and sound condition
Oil, Canvas
17th Century Flemish School Adoration of the Magi Oil on Canvas
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
"17th Century Flemish School Old Master Adoration of the Magi." Oil on canvas. Previously relined. Unsigned. Artwork: 81 × 61 cm (31.9 × 24 in.). 88 × 69 cm (34.6 × 27.2 in.). (Fra...
Oil, Canvas
$8,053
VENICE -In the Manner of Canaletto- Italian Landscape Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Napoli, IT
Venice - Mario De Angeli - Italia 2009 - Oil on canvas cm. 80x120. Gold leaf gilded wooden frame ext. mis. cm.100x140 Mario De Angeli's canvas is an extraordinary work of Italian l...
Gold Leaf
$1,288Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Painting Oval Shape Figures in Tavern Interior
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tavern Interior Dutch School, 17th century oil on metal, framed framed: 8 x 6.75 inches painting: 6 x 4.25 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condit...
Oil
$2,605Sale Price|20% Off
Large 17th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Shepherd in Ancient Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Berger with Animals in Classical Landscape 17th Century Italian Old Master, we cannot see a signature oil painting on canvas, unframed 23 x 27 inches condition: very old reline, mino...
Canvas, Oil
$2,116Sale Price|20% Off
Large 18th Century European Oil Painting Portrait of Noble Lady Lace Collars
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Noble Lady European School, 18th century oil on canvas, framed framed: 37.5 inches canvas: 30 x 24.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good ...
Oil, Canvas
$14,306Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait Noblewoman Coello Paint 16/17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Spain
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Alonso Sánchez Coello (Valencia, 1531 – Madrid, 1588) Workshop of Portrait of a Noblewoman Oil on canvas 100 x 70 cm. - In an antique frame, 120 x 92 cm. This portrait, ric...
Oil
$1,957Sale Price|20% 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
$1,733Sale Price|20% Off
Madonna and Child
Located in Genève, GE
No signed This 18th-century oil on copper painting, by an anonymous artist, exemplifies the refinement and technical sophistication associated with this highly prized medium in Euro...
Copper
A gentleman on horseback, 16 miles to London
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Nost Sartorius (London 1759-1828) A gentleman on horseback, 16 miles to London Signed and dated 1796 Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 25 x 30 in Framed Size - 32 x 37 in John Nost ...
Oil
$2,382Sale 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
17th century follower of Rubens, two military men on horse back in a landscape
Located in Woodbury, CT
17th century English/Dutch School, from the Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens A very interesting and well-painted 17th-century oil on canvas of two men seated on horseback in a landsc...
Canvas, Oil
$9,178Sale Price|20% Off
Saint Catherine Curradi Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Religious
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Francesco Curradi, known as Battiloro (Florence 1570–1661) Saint Catherine of Alexandria oil on canvas Dimensions: 81 x 61 cm / with frame 93 x 73 cm. This exquisite painti...
Oil
Portrait of Elizabeth Rooper, Lady Dryden in Blue Wrap, Exceptional Carved Frame
By Charles Jervas
Located in London, GB
Portrait of Elizabeth Rooper, later Lady Dryden in a Vivid Blue Mantle, Exceptional Carved Frame c.1725-30 Circle of Charles Jervas (c.1675-1739) Few English portraits of the early ...
Canvas, Oil
$641Sale Price|20% Off
Escuela española (XVIII) - Óleo sobre cobre - Virgen orando
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La pintura representa a la Virgen María por su iconografía tradicional. Viste un manto azul verdoso que cubre su cabeza y hombros, y una túnica rosada con detalles en tonos claros. S...
Oil