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Academic Art

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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.  

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Style: Academic
The Kiss - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
The Kiss - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

The Kiss - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) The Kiss, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 cm (16.7...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Floral Still Life with Roses, 19th Century Spanish Oil Painting
Floral Still Life with Roses, 19th Century Spanish Oil Painting

Floral Still Life with Roses, 19th Century Spanish Oil Painting

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Floral Still Life with Roses, 19th Century Spanish Oil Painting Artist: José María Murillo Bracho Birth / death: Seville, 1827 – Málaga, 1882 Title: Floral Still Life Technique: Oil on canvas Artwork size: 34 × 45 cm / 13.4 × 17.7 in Framed size: 56 × 67 cm / 22 × 26.4 in Signature: Signed lower left Frame: Yes, ornate gilded frame included Condition: Good overall condition, with normal signs of age and conservation consistent with a 19th-century painting. The frame shows wear consistent with age. Subject: Floral still life Style: 19th-century Spanish painting, floral realism, Andalusian school Description Elegant 19th-century floral still life painted in oil on canvas by José María Murillo Bracho, a Spanish artist from Seville especially known for his refined flower paintings, fruit compositions and still lifes. The work presents a horizontal bouquet of flowers arranged on a neutral surface, with white roses, vivid red blossoms, mauve flowers, golden yellow accents and deep green leaves. The composition combines naturalistic precision, delicate color and a carefully balanced sense of light, creating a serene and highly decorative image. The contrast between the luminous white flowers at the center, the intense red blooms and the sober blue-grey background gives the painting great visual richness. The brushwork is detailed and sensitive, particularly in the petals and foliage, where the artist’s almost botanical attention to form and texture can be clearly appreciated. This painting is especially attractive within Murillo Bracho’s production because floral still life was one of the genres most closely associated with his work. The piece also retains an ornate gilded frame, enhancing its classical presence and making it highly suitable for a refined interior. A charming antique Spanish flower painting, ideal for collectors of 19th-century Spanish art, floral still lifes, academic realism, Andalusian painting and decorative European oil paintings. A bouquet that does not fade, which is already more than can be said for most modern enthusiasm. Artist Biography José María Murillo Bracho was a Spanish painter born in Seville in 1827 and died in Málaga in 1882. He is also sometimes referenced as José María Murillo y Bracho or José María Bracho Murillo. He trained at the Academy of Fine Arts of Santa Isabel de Hungría in Seville, one of the most important artistic institutions in Andalusia during the 19th century. His work developed within the Spanish academic tradition, with a particular focus on still lifes, flowers and fruit compositions. Murillo Bracho was connected to both Seville and Málaga, and his painting reflects the refined bourgeois taste of 19th-century Andalusia. His works are appreciated for their careful realism, elegant composition, delicate chromatic range and meticulous treatment of floral subjects. Floral still lifes are among the most representative and desirable aspects of his production, combining decorative beauty with technical precision and a distinctly classical Spanish sensibility. Artistic Inspiration This painting belongs to the long European tradition of floral still life, connecting 19th-century Spanish academic painting with the broader history of flower painting. It may appeal to collectors interested in artists and traditions associated with Henri Fantin-Latour, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Rachel Ruysch, Juan de Arellano and classical European botanical painting. With its serene composition, precise floral detail and elegant color harmony, the work is well suited for collectors of antique still lifes, Spanish School paintings, Andalusian art, academic realism and refined decorative interiors. Spanish 19th Century Painting, Floral Still Life, Antique Flower Painting...

Category

1860s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

“Clipper Ship under Full Sail”
“Clipper Ship under Full Sail”

“Clipper Ship under Full Sail”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on canvas painting of a clipper ship under full sail. Signed “T. Bailey” lower right. Condition is good. Original gold frame with wear consistent with age. Overall frame...

Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Washing Day”
“Washing Day”

“Washing Day”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original watercolor on archival paper of a group of local villagers washing their clothes by the sea. Done in an academic style. Great detail. Signed by the artist and dated 1970 lo...

Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral
'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral

'As You Like It', Shakespearean Comedy, Theater Scene, Pastoral

By Marcus Waterman

Located in Santa Cruz, CA

Signed with monogram lower right, 'MW' for Marcus (Mark) Waterman (American, 1834-1914) and painted circa 1890. “All the world’s a stage” – In the late 1880s, an expanding rail netw...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle
Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle

Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle

By Robert Ladou

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil and Watercolor on Paper Size: 18.75 (Heig...

Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Pencil, Watercolor

Performance, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting
Performance, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting

Performance, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting

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: 2018 Style: Surrealism, Title: Performance Size: 23.5" x 23.5" x 1'' inch,...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Imponente Scultura Neoclassica Italiana in Marmo Venere Genitrice XIX secolo
Imponente Scultura Neoclassica Italiana in Marmo Venere Genitrice XIX secolo

Imponente Scultura Neoclassica Italiana in Marmo Venere Genitrice XIX secolo

Located in Pistoia, IT

Imponente scultura neoclassica in marmo, modello conosciuto come Afrodite Louvre-Napoli o Venus Genitrix, bottega italiana, 19 secolo. La dea è raffigurata in piedi, al momento de...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Marble

Lust - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
Lust - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

Lust - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) Lust, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 cm (16.7 x 1...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Monumental 19th-Century Italian Marble Torso of Apollo, After the Antique
Monumental 19th-Century Italian Marble Torso of Apollo, After the Antique

Monumental 19th-Century Italian Marble Torso of Apollo, After the Antique

Located in Rome, IT

19th-Century Marble Torso of Apollo Impressive 19th-century white marble torso of Apollo, after the Antique, finely carved in the classical Greco-Roman tradition. The idealized male...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Marble

“Floral Bouquet”
“Floral Bouquet”

“Floral Bouquet”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original elaborate floral bouquet oil on canvas painting by the German artist Reinhard Michel. Signed Lowe right by the artist. Condition is very good. Circa 1960. Original gold o...

Category

1960s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ready.
Ready.

Ready.

By Alex Radionov

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Classical ballet was my main source of inspiration. Grace and beauty of ballerinas combining with extremely hard work they do. This combination is shocking and inspiring in the same...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

“Portuguese Fisherman”
“Portuguese Fisherman”

“Portuguese Fisherman”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original watercolor on archival paper of a Portuguese fisherman with fishing boats in the background. Done in an academic style. Great detail. Signed by the artist and dated 1971 lo...

Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

“Sunset on the River”
“Sunset on the River”

“Sunset on the River”

Located in Southampton, NY

Beautifully painted sunset on the river with a single figure in a punt and cattle crossing by the American artist, George Riecke. Most likely a New Orlea...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Italian Mid 19th century White Carrara Marble bust. Portrait of young male.
Italian Mid 19th century White Carrara Marble bust. Portrait of young male.

Italian Mid 19th century White Carrara Marble bust. Portrait of young male.

Located in Firenze, IT

Italian Portrait White Marble Bust in a Heroic Attitude. Carrara statuary Marble. Tuscan school. Circa 1850.  Bust depicting a young man with bare shoulders. This model draws inspira...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Marble

The Victors - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
The Victors - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

The Victors - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) The Victors, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 cm (1...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Waves, Seascape Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

Waves, Seascape Original oil Painting, One of a Kind

By Karen Darbinyan

Located in Granada Hills, CA

Seascape Original oil Painting, One of a Kind Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressioni...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mythological scene, study for the Prize of Rome 1864, French academism, Homer
Mythological scene, study for the Prize of Rome 1864, French academism, Homer

Mythological scene, study for the Prize of Rome 1864, French academism, Homer

Located in Norwich, GB

This rare mythological scene depicting the Greek author Homer on the island of Scyros. You will notice the Trojan War being fought in the background. Our painting, dating from 1864, is unsigned, but has a solid attribution to academic artist Henri-Léopold Lévy...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ugolin in Prison - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
Ugolin in Prison - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

Ugolin in Prison - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) Ugolin in Prison, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 ...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Lovers - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
Lovers - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

Lovers - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) Lovers, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 cm (16.7 x...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Russell Flint watercolour of skiing near St. Moritz, British, 20th Century
Russell Flint watercolour of skiing near St. Moritz, British, 20th Century

Russell Flint watercolour of skiing near St. Moritz, British, 20th Century

By Sir William Russell Flint RA ROI

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Sir William Russell Flint (British, 1880 – 1969) Winter sports in the Engadine, possibly St. Moritz watercolour on paper signed ‘W RUSSELL FLINT’ (lower right) 12.1/2 x 19.3/8 in. (3...

Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

“Portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox”
“Portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox”

“Portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox”

Located in Southampton, NY

Very well executed portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox. See the sitter’s biography below. Signed top right and dated 1881. Relined canvas, very good condition. The portrait is housed in a contemporary replica of a period frame. Overall framed measurements are 33.25 by 28.25 inches. Provenance: A East Hampton, Long Island collector. Biography George Peter Alexander Healy was born in Boston on July 15, 1813, the first of five children of William Healy, an Irish immigrant and captain of a merchant vessel, and his wife Mary Hicks. Healy showed an early artistic interest: by 1830 the self-taught painter had opened a portrait studio from which he hoped to help to support his family. Although commissions were at first sparse, young Healy received important encouragement from Thomas Sully (1783-1872)) who advised him to make painting his profession. His fortunes also improved in 1831 when Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, a leader in Boston society, granted him permission to paint her portrait and recommended his talents to other potential patrons. In 1834 Healy went to France where he studied with Baron Antoine-Jean Gros (1771-1835). A year later he traveled through Italy, visiting museums and churches in the company of Lady and Sir Arthur Faulkner who soon provided his introduction to London society. It was in England that Healy met and, in 1839, married Louisa Phipps. The couple settled in Paris where Healy embarked upon the beginning of a long and happy marriage and thriving career. His diplomatic and affable demeanor, together with his obvious skill, brought him tremendous success throughout Europe and the United States. Prolific, as well as talented, he had by 1867 produced more than six hundred portraits. The constant stream of commissions included dignified, imposing portraits of such celebrated figures as Pope Pius IX and Queen Elizabeth of Romania, the latter of whom developed a warm friendship with Healy and his family. Although Healy, sometimes accompanied by his wife, traveled to the United States several times during the 1840s and early 1850s, it was not until 1856 that the entire family settled in America. They took up residence in the booming city of Chicago, which Healy used as a base for his work in Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and other cities. During the Civil War years he often traveled to Washington to paint military figures and members of the President's cabinet. The family returned to Europe in 1867, but George Healy...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Pennsylvania Beauty”
“Pennsylvania Beauty”

“Pennsylvania Beauty”

By Edmund Darch Lewis

Located in Southampton, NY

Here for your consideration is an outstanding example of the landscape mastery of American artist, Edmund Darch Lewis. Fabulous light and clarity of the bucolic scene. Signed lower right and dated 1870. Recently cleaned. Several old patches verso with corresponding in paint. Condition is very good The painting is framed in its original gold leaf period frame which is in fine condition. Overall measurements are 35 by 46.5 inches. Edmund Darch Lewis was born in Philadelphia, the son of a prominent businessman. According to family tradition he was educated at a private school...

Category

1870s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mercure - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
Mercure - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

Mercure - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) Mercury, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 cm (16.7 ...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Mary Magdalene - Original lithograph
Mary Magdalene - Original lithograph

Mary Magdalene - Original lithograph

By Maurice Denis

Located in Paris, IDF

Maurice DENIS (1870 - 1943) Mary Magdalene Original lithograph enhanced in pastel Printed signature in the plate On light cream tinted vellum 32,5 x 47 cm (c. 12,7 x 18,5 inch) INF...

Category

Early 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Dante, Terror - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
Dante, Terror - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

Dante, Terror - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) Dante, Terror, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 cm ...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

“Paris, Place du Tertre”
“Paris, Place du Tertre”

“Paris, Place du Tertre”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original hand colored lithograph by the French artist, Maurice Jacque of the Place du Tertre in Montmartre Paris, France. Signed in lower right margin. Titled in lower left margin. ...

Category

Early 1900s Academic Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Lithograph

Portrait Beautiful Woman SALOMAN Gouache Danish Swedish painter 19th
Portrait Beautiful Woman SALOMAN Gouache Danish Swedish painter 19th

Portrait Beautiful Woman SALOMAN Gouache Danish Swedish painter 19th

By Geskel Saloman

Located in PARIS, FR

Geskel SALOMAN Tonder (Denmark) 1821 – Bastad (Sweden), 1902 Portrait of a woman with a book Gouache on bone 8.8 x 8.5 cm (16.5 x 15.5 cm with the frame) Signed lower right “G. Salom...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Gouache

Shadow of a Man - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)
Shadow of a Man - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

Shadow of a Man - Etching, (Ed. Goupil, 1897)

By Auguste Rodin

Located in Paris, IDF

Auguste RODIN (1840–1917) (after) Shadow of a Man, 1897 Heliogravure retouched with drypoint (Goupil Studio) Unsigned Limited edition of 125 unnumbered copies On vellum, 42.5 x 31 c...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

San Luís de Francia - Óleo sobre tela - Siglo XIX-XX
San Luís de Francia - Óleo sobre tela - Siglo XIX-XX

San Luís de Francia - Óleo sobre tela - Siglo XIX-XX

Located in Sant Celoni, ES

Firmado en la parte inferior con iniciales (pero desconozco el artista) Se presenta enmarcada la obra Medidas obra: 139 cm. de altura x 104 cm. de ancho Medidas obra: 154 cm. de a...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil

"Portrait of Rebecca" Harriet Peale, Early American Female Portrait
"Portrait of Rebecca" Harriet Peale, Early American Female Portrait

"Portrait of Rebecca" Harriet Peale, Early American Female Portrait

By Harriet Cany Peale

Located in New York, NY

Harriet Peale Portrait of Rebecca, 1840 Inscribed verso, “Portrait of Rebecca Greenwood (?)/ Aged 25 years/ Painted by Harriet C. Cany/ May 1840” Oil on canvas 28 3/4 x 23 3/4 inches...

Category

1840s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Cows at a Stream Sunset”
“Cows at a Stream Sunset”

“Cows at a Stream Sunset”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on canvas painting of cattle watering at sunset by the well known American artist, George A. Hayes. Signed by the artist lower left “G.A. Hays”. Circa 1885. Condition ...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Academic art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Academic art 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 art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of purple, blue, orange, pink and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Karen Darbinyan, Owen Jones, Paul Jones b.1921, and Mark Beard. 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 art, so small editions measuring 1.5 inches across are also available. Prices for art 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 $11 and tops out at $700,000, while the average work sells for $1,444.