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Academic Art

1,318 Results
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
“French Cavaliers”
“French Cavaliers”

“French Cavaliers”

Located in Southampton, NY

Oil on wooden panel painting of horse riding French cavaliers in battle. Signed lower left. Not dated. Original period gilded frame in fine condition. Painting has been recently professionally cleaned. Painting and frame circa 1875. Overall framed measurements are 16 by 14 inches. Condition of the painting is very good. Provenance: Saint Petersburg, Florida estate. Charles Michel Guilbert D'anelle was a pupil of Horace Vernet ( known for his military paintings...

Category

1870s Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Board

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 Art

Materials

Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil

A. Costa  Woman  original Figurative academician drawing painting
A. Costa  Woman  original Figurative academician drawing painting

A. 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 f...

Category

1960s Academic Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil

“Hauling in the Fishing Boat”
“Hauling in the Fishing Boat”

“Hauling in the Fishing Boat”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original watercolor on archival paper of a fishing boat being hauled onto the beach by a team of animals and villagers. Done in an academic style. Signed by the artist and dated 197...

Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

Late 19th Century Academic Oil Painting of Seated Man
Late 19th Century Academic Oil Painting of Seated Man

Late 19th Century Academic Oil Painting of Seated Man

Located in Genève, GE

This painting depicts a portrait of a man of great dignity, typical of the academic tradition of the 19th century. The artist has captured his model in a sober and solemn pose: seate...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Venice with characters

Venice with characters

By Charles Cousin

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

COUSIN Charles (1807-1887) Venice With Characters Oil on canvas signed low right Old frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 76 X 60 cm Dim frame : 96 X 83 cm COUSIN Charles (1807-188...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

“Nassau Harbor, Bahamas”
“Nassau Harbor, Bahamas”

“Nassau Harbor, Bahamas”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original watercolor and gouache on archival paper by the American artist, Martin Louis Lindsay. Signed, titled and dated top right. Done in 1944. Condi...

Category

1940s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper

“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 Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Return from the Field”
“Return from the Field”

“Return from the Field”

Located in Southampton, NY

Oil on canvas backed onto wooden board of a worker with a scythe returning home from a day of labor. In a picturesque Swiss village. The painting is attributed to the hand of Karl Adolph Weber, the Swiss artist. Signed “K. Weber” lower right. Circa 1935. The painting is a contemporary wood frame in a mahogany finish. Overall framed measurements are 19 by 15.25 inches. Provenance: A Sarasota, Florida collector. Karl Adolph Weber was a Swiss artist born in 1899 and died in 1978 known for his rural landscapes and figurative paintings of Switzerland...

Category

1930s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

Landscape with Fishermen - Original etching
Landscape with Fishermen - Original etching

Landscape with Fishermen - Original etching

By Gabriel Perelle

Located in Paris, IDF

PERELLE Family (17th Century) Landscape with Fishermen Original Engraving Signed in the plate On laid paper, 15.5 x 28 cm INFORMATION: This family of artists, led by Gabriel, the f...

Category

Late 17th Century Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Building a Ship - Original etching
Building a Ship - Original etching

Building a Ship - Original etching

By Gabriel Perelle

Located in Paris, IDF

PERELLE Family (17th Century) Building a Ship Original Engraving Signed in the plate On laid paper, 15.5 x 28 cm INFORMATION: This family of artists, led by Gabriel, the father, an...

Category

Late 17th Century Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Untitled: 1930s Drawing Of  A Seated Woman
Untitled: 1930s Drawing Of  A Seated Woman

Untitled: 1930s Drawing Of A Seated Woman

Located in New York, NY

Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: 1930s Drawing of a Seated Woman", Signed Figurative Pencil Drawing on Paper, 21 x 13.88, Early 20th Century, 1936 Colors: Black and White *Unknown Artist signature...

Category

1930s Academic Art

Materials

Pencil

"Young Woman with Headdress"
"Young Woman with Headdress"

"Young Woman with Headdress"

Located in Southampton, NY

Here for your consideration is a late 19th century needlepoint, petitepoint and beaded portrait of a young woman. It is a highly detailed and meticulously crafted beaded portrait wi...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Other Medium

“The Fisherman’s Cottage”
“The Fisherman’s Cottage”

“The Fisherman’s Cottage”

By Frederick Cozzens

Located in Southampton, NY

Original watercolor on archival paper of a classic fisherman’s cottage on the water with a dory nearby.. Signed lower left and dated 1923. Condition is very good. Under glass. The a...

Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

The Seamstresses Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed
The Seamstresses Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed

The Seamstresses Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed

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 ...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil

"Sons and Lovers" Drill Drawing, #2

"Sons and Lovers" Drill Drawing, #2

By Michael O'Keefe

Located in Dallas, TX

Signed by artist "M. O'KEEFE 2013" at lower left. Media is graphite on clay-coated panel. Overall dimensions including the frame are 18 x 15 inches.

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Clay, Panel, Graphite

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 Art

Materials

Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil

Óleo sobre tela - Retrato de dama con tocado floral
Óleo sobre tela - Retrato de dama con tocado floral

Óleo sobre tela - Retrato de dama con tocado floral

Located in Sant Celoni, ES

La obra no va firmada Se presenta sin enmarcar la pintura El estado de la pintura se puede ver, está bastante craquelada y está reentelada Medidas de la obra: 59 x 45 cm.

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil

Amaranthus tricolor: A 17th-18th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving
Amaranthus tricolor: A 17th-18th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving

Amaranthus tricolor: A 17th-18th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving

By Basilius Besler 1

Located in Alamo, CA

This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Amaranthus Tricolor", depicting a flowering Amaranthus Tricolor plant from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden at Eichstatt), first published in 1613 in Eichstatt, Germany near Nuremberg and later in 1640 and 1713. Amaranthus tricolor, known as edible amaranth, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Amaranthus. The plant is often cultivated for ornamental and culinary purposes. Cultivars have a striking yellow, red, and green foliage. It is known as Joseph's coat in some areas, after the biblical figure Joseph, who is said to have worn a coat of many colors. Amaranthus tricolor is one of several species of amaranth cultivated in warm regions across the world. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper with very wide margins. There is a short crease in the upper right corner, mild irregularity of the left, right and lower edges and some bleed-through of text from the verso. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 22.13" high and 17.13" wide. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...

Category

Early 18th Century Academic Art

Materials

Engraving

Classic Still Life with Fan and Flowers
Classic Still Life with Fan and Flowers

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.

Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Plums: George Brookshaw's Framed Hand-colored 19th C. Aquatint
Plums: George Brookshaw's Framed Hand-colored 19th C. Aquatint

Plums: George Brookshaw's Framed Hand-colored 19th C. Aquatint

By George Brookshaw

Located in Alamo, CA

George Brookshaw's (1751-1823) beautiful "Plums" hand colored aquatint engraving from his "Pomona Brittanica", considered to be the finest British botanical large format treatise of the 19th-century. His engravings were unique for their rich tones and colors, elegant compositions with the fruit seeming to float on a mottled sumptuous background. There are purple, mustard-colored plums on brown branches with green leaves over a two-tone dark brown and light tan background. The print is presented in an ornate bronze-colored wood frame with gold-colored inner and outer trims and a triple mat. The outer mat is a marbled light...

Category

Early 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Aquatint

Flowering Jasmine and Laurel Plants: A Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving
Flowering Jasmine and Laurel Plants: A Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving

Flowering Jasmine and Laurel Plants: A Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving

By Basilius Besler 1

Located in Alamo, CA

This is a hand-colored copper-plate engraving entitled "Gelsiminum Catalonicum, Mairana Latifollia, Euphasiaramosa Pratensis Flore Albo, Euphasia Minus Ramosa Flore Excereruleo Purpurascente", depicting flowering Jasmine, Mountain Laurel...

Category

1710s Academic Art

Materials

Engraving

Untitled (Mother Holding Baby)
Untitled (Mother Holding Baby)

Untitled (Mother Holding Baby)

By John Gilroy

Located in New York, NY

John Thomas Young Gilroy (English, 1898-1985), "Untitled: Mother Holding Baby", Figurative/Academic Drawing signed on Paper, 14 x 8, Early 20th Century Colors: White, Black "Untitled: Mother Holding Baby" is a Figurative/ Academic Drawing signed on Paper. Among our Gilroy collection of drawings, this particular work is unique due to its original grid markings included here within. As one can view among our details, the drawing has visible age markings and 3/4 of the perimeter rear of the work has tape. Nevertheless, as with all his figurative graphite works, a wonderfully drawn piece of a Mother cradling her infant child. John Thomas Young Gilroy (30 May 1898 – 11 April 1985) was an English artist and illustrator, best known for his advertising posters for Guinness, the Irish stout. He signed many of his works, simply, "Gilroy". Born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, England, Gilroy attended Durham University until his studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served with the Royal Field Artillery. He resumed studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he remained as a teacher. He taught at Camberwell College of Arts. In 1925, he gained employment at S.H. Benson's advertising agency, where he created the iconic advertisement art for Guinness featuring the Zoo Keeper and animals enjoying Guinness.He worked with Dorothy L. Sayers. He was also an accomplished portrait painter, numbering Royalty, Politicians, Actors and many others amongst his sitters. He worked in his large studio at 10 Holland Park, London, the former home and studio of Sir Bernard Partridge. He was a long-standing and much loved member of the Garrick Club...

Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Peaches, Nectarines: George Brookshaw's 19th C. Framed Hand-colored Aquatint
Peaches, Nectarines: George Brookshaw's 19th C. Framed Hand-colored Aquatint

Peaches, Nectarines: George Brookshaw's 19th C. Framed Hand-colored Aquatint

By George Brookshaw

Located in Alamo, CA

George Brookshaw's (1751-1823) beautiful "Peaches, Nectarines" hand colored aquatint engraving, plate 38 from his "Pomona Brittanica", considered to be the finest British botanical large format treatise of the 19th-century. His engravings were unique for their rich tones and colors, elegant compositions with the fruit seeming to float on a mottled sumptuous background. The pale green and peach-colored peaches and the pink and green flowers lie on a rich dark brown-colored background. The print is presented in an ornate bronze-colored wood frame with gold-colored inner and outer trims and a triple mat. The outer mat is a marbled light...

Category

Early 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Aquatint

Summertime
Summertime

Summertime

By Anne C. Weary

Located in Dallas, TX

“Anne Weary, who grew up as a Texas cowgirl, is at home in the outdoors and knows its ways and its language. There is a sort of very quiet but very powerful mysticism in her work, a ...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Conté

Fire's Boat

Fire's Boat

By Bob Stuth-Wade

Located in Dallas, TX

Eleanor Jones Harvey, Chief Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, writes about Bob Stuth-Wade: “Over the course of his career, Bob Stuth-Wade has examined his responses to...

Category

Early 2000s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

Untitled: Rearview Of a Seated Nude
Untitled: Rearview Of a Seated Nude

Untitled: Rearview Of a Seated Nude

By Henry Varnum Poor

Located in New York, NY

Henry Varnum Poor (American, 1887-1970), "Untitled: Rearview Of A Seated Nude", Figurative Signed Pen and Ink Drawing, 16 x 10.38, Mid 20th Century Colors: Black and White Henry V...

Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Ink, Pen

Dancing Ariane - Original lithograph
Dancing Ariane - Original lithograph

Dancing Ariane - Original lithograph

By Maurice Denis

Located in Paris, IDF

Maurice DENIS (1870 - 1943) Dancing Ariane, Study for Ariane's Figure Original lithograph enhanced in pastel Printed signature in the plate On light cream tinted vellum 48 x 31 cm (...

Category

Early 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled: Three Nude Females
Untitled: Three Nude Females

Untitled: Three Nude Females

Located in New York, NY

Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Three Nude Females", Figurative/ Nude Charcoal signed Drawing on Paper, 24 x 18, Late 20th Century Colors: Black a...

Category

Late 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Charcoal, Paper

“French Country View”
“French Country View”

“French Country View”

Located in Southampton, NY

Very well executed oil on canvas painting of a French countryside view by J.S. Dorange. Signed lower right. Condition is very good. Circa 1920. The style is academic with more of an...

Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Stone Steps by the River - Late 1800s Watercolor on Paper
Stone Steps by the River - Late 1800s Watercolor on Paper

Stone Steps by the River - Late 1800s Watercolor on Paper

Located in Soquel, CA

Stone Steps by the River - Late 1800s Watercolor on Paper Dramatic and detailed landscape by Lucy Ellen Cooper (British, 1853-1929). On the right side of the composition, a set of t...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

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 Art

Materials

Gouache

Academic Study of young saint Inspired by Perugino, Tuscan School, cm 40x28
Academic Study of young saint Inspired by Perugino, Tuscan School, cm 40x28

Academic Study of young saint Inspired by Perugino, Tuscan School, cm 40x28

Located in Firenze, IT

Head with Halo, Academic Study Inspired by Perugino, Tuscan School, 40 × 28 cm Mid-19th century Pencil on paper Academic drawing depicting a youthful head with a halo and upward gaz...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Pencil, Carbon Pencil

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.