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.
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...
Canvas, Oil
$2,375
Sneezewort, Poppy, Strawflower: 17th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Ptarmica Vulgaris (Sneezewort), Papaver Spinosum (Mexican Poppy), Chrysocame Peregrina (Seaside Strawflower)", depicting flowering Sneezewort, Mexican Poppy and Seaside Strawberry plants respectively 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. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper. The left margin is thinner than the others and the left edge is somewhat irregular where the engraving was previously bound in the original publication. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 20" high and 16.38" 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...
Engraving
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
WINGED GENIUS- original painting by Paula Craioveanu Neo Mythology
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Winged Genius", oil on canvas, 70x110cm, 27.5×43.5in Winged Genius is a fantastic character, a mythological creature, a male figure with birds’ wings, a guardian spirit, a demigod. ...
Oil
Flower Painting French Academic Realist Still life DUDAN mid 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
Gabriel-Dominique DUDAN (Active from the 1830s to the 1850s) Bouquet of Roses, Foxgloves, Poppies, Violets, and Daisies Oil on canvas 61 x 50 cm (77 x 66 cm with frame) Signed and da...
Oil
$1,900Sale Price|32% Off
“Misty Morning Gloucester”
Located in Southampton, NY
Oil on artist board painting of a misty morning in Gloucester Harbor by the Provincetown artist, Kay Kellogg. Signed lower left. Circa 1935. The painting d...
Oil, Board
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
“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 ...
Canvas, Oil
“Castle Combe”
By Cedric Dawe
Located in Southampton, NY
Cedric Dawe (1906-1996) British, original conte crayon drawing of the English village town of Castle Combe in Wiltshire, England. Signed lower left by the artist. Executed in 1977. ...
Conté, Crayon, Archival Paper
Gondolier on a Venetian backwater, oil on canvas, by Antoine Bouvard senior
By Antoine Bouvard (Marc Aldine)
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Antoine Bouvard (French, 1882–1956) Gondolier on a Venetian Backwater Oil on canvas Signed ‘Bouvard’ (lower left) 21.25 x 32 in. (54 x 81.5 cm) In this tranquil Venetian scene, Anto...
Canvas, Oil
Dutch Genre Interior Scene, Oil on Panel, Mid-Century, Framed
By Early 20thC Dutch
Located in Zofingen, AG
Title Dutch Genre Interior Scene, Oil on Panel, Mid-Century, Framed Medium Oil on panel Style Dutch / Northern European genre style Period Mid-20th century, circa 1930–1960 Origi...
Oil, Panel
19th Century Animated Landscape Painting in Oil on Canvas
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas
Oil
Set of Extraordinary Italian Stone Statues Representing the Four Seasons
Located in Rome, IT
Four season ,monumental classically draped female figures and their distinguishing symbols on a square base. Autumn, winter, spring and summer. Timeless classical decoration for you...
Limestone
“Pennsylvania Beauty”
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...
Canvas, Oil
Seashore, Coastal Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Seascape, Nautical Original oil Painting Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism T...
Canvas, Oil
$4,128Sale Price|38% Off
Antique Bronze Dog "Whippet with a Butterfly" Arthur Waagen (1833-1898) 2 of 2
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Antique Bronze Dog Portrait “La Levrette au Papillon” or “Whippet (Greyhound) with a Butterfly” Arthur Waagen (Germany, France 1833-1898) Circa 1860’s 11 x 8 x 4 inches (2of 2. No...
Bronze
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Woman portrait by Ilse Voigt - Oil on canvas 96x76 cm
By Ilse Voigt
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on canvas with wooden frame. Total size with frame is 88x109 cm Ilse VOIGT is an artist born in 1905 and died in 1997. His works have been sold at public auction 24 times, mostl...
Oil
Academic French Painting Circle of BOUGUEREAU The grape picker Young girl 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
William Bouguereau (Circle of) La Rochelle, 1825 – La Rochelle, 1905 The Little Grape Picker Oil on canvas 54 x 38 cm (64 x 48 cm with frame) Unsigned Beautiful 19th-century giltwood...
Oil
Portrait Of Jean Gerard Vonderbank & Family, Early 19th-Century Oil Painting
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This finely observed early 19th-century oil painting, attributed to German artist Carl Adolf Mende (1807-1857), depicts Jean Gerard Vonderbank, a German surveyor, instrument designer...
Canvas, Oil
$71,903Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Marble Sculpture of Roman Mythological Subject Minerva 1780'
Located in Rome, IT
Finely carved mythological roman subject of Minerva in Marble Travertino . Excellent condition from an estate of Veneto. Measurements: Statue cm 180 . Minerva (Pallas Athena in Greek...
Marble
$360Sale Price|20% Off
“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. ...
Archival Paper, Lithograph
$59,850Sale Price|33% Off
An 18th-19th Century Oil on Canvas "The Triumph of Venice" After Paolo Veronese
By Paolo Veronese
Located in LA, CA
A very fine and Large Italian 18th-19th century oval-shaped oil on canvas titled "The Triumph of Venice" After the original work by Paolo Veronese (Venice, 1528-1588). The original of this painting hangs in the Palazzo Ducale, Venice. The 'Ricci' coloration suggests a late 17th-early 18th century date. In 1715 Charles de la Fosse advised Ricci to paint only "Veroneses and no more Riccis", Venice, circa 1800. Measures: Height: 45 1/4 inches (115 cm). Width: 29 inches (73.7 cm). Frame height: 58 1/4 inches (147.9 cm). Frame width: 43 1/4 inches (109.9 cm). Frame depth: 5 1/4 (13.3 cm). Provenance: Royal Academy of Scotland. Paolo Veronese (Born 1528, Verona, Republic of Venice - died April 9, 1588, Venice) was an Italian painter of the Renaissance in Venice, famous for paintings such as The Wedding at...
Oil
Bur Reed & Water Hemlock: A 17th-18th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Orobanche, Cicuta Maxima, Sparganium (Bur Reed, Water Hemlock, Broomrape) ", depicting a flowering Bur Reed, Water Hemlock, Broomrape plants 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. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper with wide margins. There us spotting and some discoloration, most prominently in the upper and lower margins. There is irregularity and some loss along the right paper edge. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 21.5" high and 17.25" 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...
Engraving
"Portrait of Arthur W. Smith, Esq. " James Carroll Beckwith, Society Portrait
Located in New York, NY
James Carroll Beckwith Portrait of Arthur W. Smith, Esq., 1909 Signed and dated upper left; signed, titled, and dated on the reverse Oil on canvas 30 x 25 inches Provenance Private ...
Canvas, Oil
Late 19th Century Reclining Nude California School
Located in Soquel, CA
Late 19th century California School reclining nude female figure by anonymous 19th Century artist. In the style of William-Adolphe Bouguereau. ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,375
Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving of Flowering Tulip & Wild Garlic Plants
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copperplate engraving entitled "Tulipa viridiscoloris, Fritillaria iuncifolns, Allium Vrsinum" depicting flowering tulip, fritillary and wild garlic plants fro...
Engraving
Seashore, Coastal, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
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: 11" x 14" x 0.8'' in...
Canvas, Oil
$587Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Abstract Study of a Horse and Figure in a Stable
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Abstract Study of a Horse and Figure in a Stable Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Watercolor on paper Size: 12 (Height) x 14.75 (Width) Signed...
Watercolor
$1,845Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant Portrait of a Lady in Fur Stole, Early 20th Century”no signed
Located in Genève, GE
Elegant Portrait of a Lady — Early 20th Century Oil on Canvas no signed A captivating and refined portrait of an elegant lady seated gracefully, dressed in a sumptuous dark gown ador...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000
Pre World War II Austrian Judaica Oil Painting Hasidic Rabbi Portrait
By Rudolf Klinsbogl Klingsberg
Located in Surfside, FL
Rudolf KLINGSBÖGL Austrian Viennese painter and teacher. Chassidic rebbe with Shtreimel. Klingsbogl was active in Vienna and is known for his typical portraits and paintings of interiors - workshops, pubs and cellars. His style is very distinctive. rare to find good jewish work that survived the holocaust as so much of it was destroyed. Other works by Rudolf Klingsbogl (sometimes known as Klingsberg}: Rabbis Studying Around a Table, The Huntsman, The Pet Bird, Blacksmith Interior Scene, Three Men with Chat and Drink, The Sailors, The Old Drinker, Debating the News, Sunday Afternoon, Man Looking at Pocket Watch. Game of Cards in a Tavern, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as a Child, Franz Schubert at the Piano, Johann Strauss (The Younger). Realistic portrait of an older rabbi visiting and blessing a child in a European marketplace...
Oil
Outdoor Italian Stone Sculpture of Classical Torso with Base
Located in Rome, IT
This reproduction of a classical Hellenistic sculpture, a timeless piece for interior and a garden decoration. Measurement: Torso cm 100 base cm 70.
Limestone
Okinawa, Typhoon of Steel by John Steven Dews
By John Steven Dews
Located in New Orleans, LA
John Steven Dews b. 1949 British Okinawa, Typhoon of Steel, 1st April 1945 Signed “J. Steven Dews” (lower right) Oil on canvas This powerful canvas by John Steven Dews captures t...
Canvas, Oil
Near to Cliffs, Seascape, Impressionism Original oil Painting, Framed
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Seascape, Impressionism Original oil Painting, Framed Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2021 Style: Imp...
Canvas, Oil
Madman from Gyurle, 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: 2016 Style: Figurative Surrealism, Title: Madman from Gyurle, Size: 31.5" ...
Canvas, Oil
$7,500Sale Price|40% Off
“Watering the Cattle”
Located in Southampton, NY
Oil on canvas painting by the American artist, Edmund Darch Lewis. Signed lower right and dated, 1891. Several small punctures which will be professionaly restored. Old reline of ca...
Canvas, Oil
Chrysanthemums Blooming on a Terrace
Located in Mc Lean, VA
Large oil painting of chrysanthemums by one of the most well-known 19th-century French flower painters. Signed and dated lower right
Canvas, Oil
$26,000
"Pinks and Yellows" Luigi Lucioni, Green and Yellow, Still Life, Ancient Vase
Located in New York, NY
Luigi Lucioni Pinks and Yellows, 1959 Signed and dated lower right Oil on canvas 13 x 16 inches Provenance Milch Galleries, New York Private Collection, Woodland Hills, California ...
Canvas, Oil
“The Grand Canal, Venice”
Located in Southampton, NY
Venice, The Grand Canal, Illustrated London News: hand-colored wood engraving after drawings by Viscount Maidstone, published August 25, 1849 in The Illustrated London News, titled “...
Archival Paper, Engraving
Current, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Elizabeth Zanzinger's (US based) "Current" is an oil painting that depicts a lone figure in a golden field with clouds holding a floral fabric agai...
Oil
British, early 20th Century oriental scene by female artist Katie Blackmore
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Katie Blackmore (British, 1890 – 1957) Oriental fantasy Ink and gouache on paper Signed ‘K Blackmore’ (lower right) 9 x 8.3/8in. (22.8 x 21.2 cm.) A Scottish figurative and decorative artist, Katie Blackmore was closely associated with both Jessie Marion King...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
ANTINOUS Magnificent Italian Neoclassical Carrara Marble Sculpture
Located in Rome, IT
Outstanding 19th century Italian finely carved Carrara "Statuario" marble sculpture of Antinoo , after the Antique The Capitoline 'Antinous'. Antinous, a young Bithinius favorite...
Marble
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...
Paper, Pencil, Carbon Pencil
$7,625
La Couturiere - Academic Portrait Oil Painting by Tony Robert-Fleury
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed oil on canvas portrait circa 1890 by French academic painter Tony Robert-Fleury. The work depicts a young red-headed woman wearing in a white dress with blue trim. She is stti...
Canvas, Oil
$3,175
Flowering Peppermint Plants: A 17th C. Besler Hand-colored Botanical Engraving
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Pulegium Cervinum, Pseudo Pulegium Struthium, Pulegium Regium", depicting flowering Peppermint, Weld and Pennyroyal plants respectively 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. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper. There are subtle creases in the right upper corner, very common with Besler's relating to the drying of the paper during its production. The right margin is thinner than the others. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...
Engraving
ACADEMIC MALE NUDE FIGURE STUDIES
Located in Portland, ME
Michallet (attributed). ACADEMIC MALE NUDE FIGURE STUDIES. Four Charcoal drawings, each on heavy wove paper, 19th Century. 24 1/2 x 19 1/8 inches (s...
Charcoal
Silent Interior in the Manner of Vilhelm Hammershøi
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rikard Lindström (1882–1942) Silent Interior oil on canvas mounted on board signed lower right framed: 50 x 58 cm (19.69 x 22.83 inches) unframed: 39 x 47 cm (visible image) (15.35...
Canvas, Oil, Board
$3,600Sale Price|33% Off
“Flowers in Classical Urn”
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...
Canvas, Oil
Set of Extraordinary Italian Stone Statues Representing the Four Seasons
Located in Rome, IT
Four season ,monumental classically draped female figures and their distinguishing symbols on a square base. Autumn, winter, spring and summer. Timeless classical decoration for you...
Limestone
$1,800
Landscape in Provence Watercolor Painting by Francois Pascal, circa 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
Step into the serene charm of southern France with this captivating watercolor landscape artwork by François Pascal (France, 19th century–1948). Expertly painted on paper, this work ...
Watercolor
Seascape, 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: 2017 Style: Impressionism Title: Seascape Size: 23.5" x 35.5" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
“Sailing along the Rocky American Coast”
Located in Southampton, NY
*A seascape by Warren Long captures a sailboat navigating choppy blue waters near a dramatic rocky coast under a cloudy, bright sky. Oil on canvas. Signe...
Canvas, Oil
$2,600Sale Price|24% Off
“Orientalist Markeplace”
By George Washington Nicholson
Located in Southampton, NY
Circa 1865 marketplace painting by the American artist, George Washington Nicholson. Signed lower left. Oil paint on wooden panel. Condit...
Oil, Board
$9,428
Large landscape oil painting of the Deer Park at Vaynol country estate, Wales
By George Earl
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
George Earl (British, 1824 -1908) Rivals at Dawn, Vaynol The Deer Park at Vaynol is a country estate in Gwynedd, Wales Oil on canvas Signed and dated ‘George Earl. Pinxt 1882’ (lower...
Canvas, Oil
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
The Empress Theodora at the Coliseum
Located in New York, NY
Benjamin Constant was an important figure in the Academic painting world in Paris and one of the leading French Romantic artists of the time. He is in all the museums of France and ...
Canvas, Oil
$553Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Abstract Portrait
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Abstract Portrait Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Acrylic on paper Size: 11.5 (Height) x 15.25 (Width) Signed: No Condition: Good Descriptio...
Acrylic
Portrait of an Elegant Woman Dressed in Eighteenth-Century
Located in Naples, Florida
Signed lower left Fernand Toussaint was a Belgian painter known for portraits, genre scenes, and refined representations of women. Trained in Brussels and la...
Oil, Canvas
Georges-Marie-Julien Girardo (French 1856-1914) Oil on Canvas "A Wedding Party"
Located in LA, CA
Georges-Marie-Julien Girardot (French, b. Besançon 1856 - d. Paris, 1914) "Avant le mariage" (Before the Wedding) A Palatial and Impressive French 19th Century Oil on Canvas depictin...
Oil
Architecture Sketches Study Drawing, Romane Church in France by Maurice Lambert
Located in Atlanta, GA
Architectural Study for the Restoration of Saint-Pierre Church in Avon, France. This unique architectural study was created as part of a church renovation project in a suburb of Pari...
Ink, Watercolor, Pencil
Merab and Michal by Edwin Longsden Long
Located in New Orleans, LA
Edwin Longsden Long 1829–1891 British Merab and Michal Both signed with monogram (lower left and right) Oil on canvas The paintings of Edwin Longsden Long stand among the most ce...
Canvas, Oil
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Seated Mercury, or Hermes - God of Speed
Located in New York, NY
This Mercury by Montagne has lovely patina and surface and is a pleasingly different depiction of Winged speed as he is seated! It is an arresting pose and elegant and covers all fa...
Bronze
Beach, Coastal, 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: Beach Size: 24" x 30" x 0.8'' inch, ...
Canvas, Oil
The Balneator by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
Located in New Orleans, LA
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema 1836-1912 Dutch The Balneator Signed and inscribed "L Alma Tadema. op CLXXVI." (lower right) Pencil and watercolor with scratching out on paper on board ...
Paper, Watercolor, Board, Pencil