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.
The Musical Performance oil on panel by Antonio Ermolao Paoletti
Located in New York, NY
The Musical Performance by Antonio Ermolao Paoletti An italian genre painting showcasing two boys playing a trumpet and a guitar for their sist...
Oil, Wood Panel, Board
BARRIER Gustave - Painting Bunch of Flowers
By Gustave Barrier
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
BARRIER Gustave (1871-1953) Bunch of Flowers Oil on card signed upper left Old original frame re-gilded with gold leaves Dim card : 56 X 46 cm Dim fr...
Oil
$15,000
Art Lovers and Art Critics Analyzing Obscene Painting. Cartoon
Located in Miami, FL
Cartoonist Richard Taylor was trained in academic art. He frequently comments on abstract art which was the new and radical thing at the time. "Curtis sees so much more in these thi...
Ink, Board
Watercolour painting by Henry Ryland
By Henry Ryland
Located in London, GB
This watercolour painting is by the English artist Henry Ryland, celebrated in his day and since for his Neoclassical pictures. Ryland was a contemporary of Lawrence Alma-Tadema and ...
Watercolor, Board, Laid Paper
Rochefort Harbour in early 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Richard FAXON (1816 - 1875) Rochefort Harbour with Galleons Oil on canvas signed low right New golden frame Size canvas 73 X 50 cm Size frame 69 X 95 cm FAXON Richard (1816-1875) ...
Oil
Boy in a squero in Venice
Located in Roma, RM
Domenico Bresolin (Padua 1813 - Venice 1890), Boy in a squero in Venice Oil on canvas applied to cardboard 27 x 16 cm initialed (DB) lower left. Publications D. Ritter, Venedig in...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Cleopatra Queen of Egypt 17' century Painting Oil on Canvas
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing painting of Cleopatra oil on canvas with a gilt wood frame. Attributed to Giuseppe Diamantini (Fossombrone 1621-Venice 1705) The dramatic subje...
Oil
$25,000
Indian Ritual Walking on Fire, Firewalking Ceremony, Mythology and Religion
By Robert Riggs
Located in Miami, FL
Narrative artist Robert Riggs captures a highly-charged scene of an Indian firewalking ceremony. Firewalking is part of a religious ritual and is associated with the mystical powers...
Varnish, Pigment
Actress June Knight
Located in Miami, FL
Celebrity portrait sketch of actress June Knight but James Montgomery Flagg on card stock in two colors. Signed and inscribed lower right. The work is unframed. There is a slight cr...
Crayon, Pencil
Pair Italian Limestone Garden Sculptures with Cornucopia
Located in Rome, IT
Finely carved mythological subject in limestone with Cornucopia associated with the harvest, prosperity, or spiritual abundance. Excellent condition. Measurements: Statue cm 160, ba...
Limestone
$7,081Sale Price|25% Off
Marble Sculpture of Roman Mythological subject Apollo
Located in Rome, IT
Finely carved mythological subject in white Carrara marble of Apollo head .
Limestone
Cherubs Musicians in pair
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mathilde LEHAUT (1816- nc) Cherubs Musicians in oval pair Two Oils on wood signed low Framed by Gault (Paris) - Gold leaves Dim wood panel (each) : 27 ...
Oil
Composition of Roses With Lute and score
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
GODCHAUX Emile (1860) Big Composition of roses with Oil on canvas signed low right Frame gilded with gold leaves Dim canvas : 90 X 129 cm Dim frame : 118 x 159 cm GODCHAUX Emile (1860 - nc) French School - 19th century - Born in 1860 Painter of genre scenes, landscapes, waterscapes, marines, flowers, still lives. He sold his paintings on the public place, and sometimes in Lotteries. He is related to Alfred Godchaux...
Oil
Landscape of the Valley in French Normandy
By Eugène Jules Delahogue
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
DELAHOGUE Eugène Jules (1867-c1930) " Landscape of the Valley" Oil on canvas signed low right Frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 91 X 150 cm Dim frame : 110 X 172 cm DELAHOGUE Eu...
Oil
Mid-Century Americana "Good House Keeping Magazine", 1948
Located in Miami, FL
When the Wood Grows Dry "Good House Keeping Magazine" illustration Surreal depiction of a young mid-century girls social life Good House Keeping Magazi...
Gouache, Board
Winter Landscape by the River
By Jean Eugene Clary
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
CLARY Jean Eugène (1856-1930) Winter Landscape by the River Oil on canvas signed low right Frame gilded with leaves Dim canvas : 46 X 80 cm Dim frame : 68 X 103 cm CLARY Jean Eugèn...
Oil
GRISAILLE 19th Century - Cherubs asleep
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
GRISAILLE 19th Century (anonymous) Cherubs asleep Part of "Rococo Style" made famous by François Boucher (1703 - 1770) Oil on canvas Circa 1850 Old frame re-gilded Dim canvas : 33 X ...
Oil
Reception at the Salon
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
STEVENS Agapit (1848 – 1924) Reception at the Salon Oil on wood signed low left New Golden Frame Dim wood panel : 24 X 39 cm Dim Frame : 49 X 63 cm STEVENS Agapit (1848 – 1924) Be...
Oil
Portrait of a boy 1865
By Carl Gutsch
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carl GUTSCH (19th Century) Portrait of a young Boy Oil on canvas signed low right and dated 1865 Old Original frame gilded with Leaves Dim canvas : 127 X 84 cm Dim Frame : 157 X 114 ...
Oil
Plate 22:"Vienna, Palais Erzherzog Friedrich, detail of ceiling in Gobelin Hall"
Located in New York, NY
This photogravure is the twenty second plate presented in Josef Folnesics publication "Alte Innenräume österreichischer Schlösser, Paläste und Wohnhäuser" (Old interiors of Austrian ...
Photogravure
Plate 20: "Vienna, Palais Erzherzog Friedrich, Detail of the Ceiling of Entrance
Located in New York, NY
This photogravure was made in 1921 and is in good condition for its age. The antique paper has aged beautifully, having slight wear on its edges and a natural patina consistent with ...
Photogravure
Calligraphy 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
Born in 1969 1991, Graduated top of his class at Iranian Society of Calligraphy, Tehran 1993, Graduated from the Wood Industry & Paper-making, Tehran Sol...
Oil
Landscape from French Provence, Painting 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
PONSON Etienne Aimé (1850-1924) French Provence Mediterenean Landscape Oils on canvas in Pair signed low Old frames gilded with leaves Dim canvas (each...
Oil
Plate 11: Vienna, Palais Erzherzog Friedrich, Smoking Room
Located in New York, NY
This photogravure is the sixth plate presented in Josef Folnesics publication "Alte Innenräume österreichischer Schlösser, Paläste und Wohnhäuser" (Old interiors of Austrian Castles,...
Photogravure
Plate 7: Vienna, Palais Erzherzog Friedrich, Anteroom of the Smoking Room
Located in New York, NY
This photogravure is the sixth plate presented in Josef Folnesics publication "Alte Innenräume österreichischer Schlösser, Paläste und Wohnhäuser" (Old interiors of Austrian Castles,...
Photogravure
Plate 3: Vienna, Palais Erzherzog Friedrich, First Anteroom
Located in New York, NY
This photogravure is the third plate presented in Josef Folnesics publication "Alte Innenräume österreichischer Schlösser, Paläste und Wohnhäuser" (Old interiors of Austrian Castles,...
Photogravure
Painting 19th Century - Portrait of Young Lady
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
ERNEST BLANC-GARIN (1843-1916) Portrait of a Young Lady around 1880 Oil on wood panel signed low Old Original frame gilded with leaves Dimensions wood : 40 X 30 cm Dimensions frame : 62 X 53 cm ERNEST BLANC-GARIN (1843-1916) Belgian Painter 19th Century Born 8 October 1843 in Givet (France) Died 1916 in Brussels (Belgium) Painter of Portraits and Urbanscapes. In Brusssels he was taught by Jan Portaëls (1818-1895); then in Paris by Alexandre Cabanel (1823-1889) He took part in the Salon de Paris from 1868. After a trip to Italy in 1870, he came back to Brussels for creating a private Art Academy providing a very liberal teaching. His portraits are made with a lot of freedom and gracefulness. Bibliography : Dictionary of Artists E. Benezit Book II / 373 Gérald SHURR : Les petits Maîtres de la Peinture 1820- 1920 Book V
Oil
Portrait of Napoléon II
Located in New Orleans, LA
The son of the legendary Napoléon Bonaparte, Napoléon François Charles Joseph, takes a spirited stance in this remarkable oil painting attributed to the Austrian portraitist Johann Peter Krafft. Believed to have been exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris, this work stands as a testament to both Austrian artistry and the legacy of one of the most powerful men in history. After Napoléon's exile to the island of Elba in 1814, his son was seen by many of his supporters as the last hope of France. The child was named the ruler of half of Europe, holding the titles of Napoléon II...
Oil, Canvas
Calligraphy 2
Located in Atlanta, GA
Born in 1969 1991, Graduated top of his class at Iranian Society of Calligraphy, Tehran 1993, Graduated from the Wood Industry & Paper-making, Tehran Sol...
Oil
Old-fashioned figurative drawing nude ink on paper, 19th century
Located in Florence, IT
The drawing, India ink on paper, falls within the studies of antiquity popular in the Academies from the 18th century onward, and refers to the frieze of an ancient sarcophagus. Al c...
Paper, India Ink
Asian Love Story - The Good Earth - Golden Age of Illustration
Located in Miami, FL
Magazine Story Illustration most likely for Cosmopolitan or Woman's Home Companion. Caption: "'I will not heed these old ones,' said the maid. 'Let us flee together somewhere and ...
Adhesive, Oil
Central Park Heroic Statue
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, 2/15 , other size available, unframed
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
The Twelve Princesses
Located in New Orleans, LA
The greatest triumph of the artist’s career, this extraordinary and monumental oil on canvas by Gustave-Max Stevens perfectly represents the highly detailed compositions and richly h...
Canvas, Oil
Price Upon Request
Sandringham - Signed Lithograph, Royal Art, Royal Homes, Sandringham House
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Sandringham by HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales - Hand Signed Limited Edition Lithograph. Belgravia Gallery has been honoured to be associated with the artworks of HRH The P...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Petite Mendiante By William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Located in New Orleans, LA
William Bouguereau French 1825-1905 Petite Mendiante (Little Beggar) Signed “W. Bouguereau 1880” (center left) Oil on canvas William Bouguereau's faithful images of young women a...
Canvas, Oil
Au Bord Du Ruisseau By William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Located in New Orleans, LA
William-Adolphe Bouguereau 1825-1905 French Au Bord du Ruisseau Signed and dated “W-Bouguereau-1888” (upper left) Oil on Canvas “Bouguereau’s paintings of children allowed for th...
Canvas, Oil
Price Upon Request
Young girl from Tetouan, Morocco
Located in New Orleans, LA
Young girl from Tetouan, Morocco Signed (center right) Oil on canvas In this important oil on canvas, French Orientalist painter Charles Landelle captures the engaging visage of a young Moroccan woman in a moment of tranquil contemplation. Seated on the floor of what is almost certainly an opulent riad, the young woman wears an intricately embroidered Moroccan kaftan and headdress. The sumptuous patterns on the floor and in the background lend an additional warmth to the strikingly vivid red hues which dominate the composition and are a hallmark of Landelle’s work. The symbols behind the young woman may represent either the Jewish Star of David or the Islamic Seal...
Canvas, Oil
Price Upon Request
Balmoral - Signed Lithograph, Royal Art, Royal Homes, Balmoral Castle, British
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Balmoral by His Majesty King Charles III (formerly known as HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales) - Hand Signed Limited Edition Lithograph. Belgravia Gallery has been honoured to be associated with the artworks of HRH The Prince of Wales for over 25 years. Anna Hunter, gallery owner, wrote a handwritten letter to the Prince asking him if he would consider making signed lithographs from his beautiful watercolours which could be sold in aid of his charities. The gallery subsequently worked with the Prince for over 10 years publishing some 18 different editions and raising over £4million for the Prince’s Charitable Foundation. Lithographs were made from the Prince’s original watercolours under the guidance of Stanley Jones – a celebrated printmaker who had previously worked with Henry Moore for 30 years, and with Elizabeth Frink, David Hockney and others. Each one is hand-signed. “…One thing I have discovered in the course of my painting efforts is that Balmoral Castle...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Highgrove - Signed Lithograph, Royal Art, Royal Homes, Highgrove House, British
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Highgrove by His Majesty King Charles III - Hand Signed Limited Edition Lithograph. Belgravia Gallery has been honoured to be associate...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Windsor Castle - Signed Lithograph, Royal Art, Royal Homes, Architecture
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Windsor Castle by HM King Charles III - Hand Signed Limited Edition Lithograph. Belgravia Gallery has been honoured to be associated with the artwo...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Windsor Castle North Aspect - Signed Lithograph, Royal Art, Royal Home, British
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Windsor Castle by His Majesty King Charles III - Hand Signed Limited Edition Lithograph. Belgravia Gallery has been honoured to be asso...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Overlooking Wadi, Saudi Arabia - Signed Lithograph, Royal Art, Mountains, Asir
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Overlooking Wadi, Asir Province, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia by His Majesty King Charles III, (created when he was HRH The Prince of Wales) - ...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Hong Kong from HMY Britannia - Signed Lithograph, Royal Art, Union Jack,
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Hong Kong From HMY Britannia by HM King Charles III - Hand Signed Limited Edition Lithograph. Belgravia Gallery has been honoured to be associated ...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Rosetta
Located in New York, NY
Oil on canvas Signed This painting is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. “Tohu-bohu” is a series of paintings by French-American painter John Bailly that explores the o...
Canvas, Oil
Price Upon Request
Los Hermanos Islets
Located in New York, NY
Oil on canvas Signed This painting is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. “When two worlds collide, mayhem or genius can ensue. Consider the freestyle fellowship that ha...
Canvas, Oil
Price Upon Request
Paris
Located in New York, NY
Mixed media on paper Signed This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. “When two worlds collide, mayhem or genius can ensue. Consider the freestyle fellowship t...
Mixed Media
Price Upon Request
Miami
Located in New York, NY
Mixed media on paper Signed This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. “When two worlds collide, mayhem or genius can ensue. Consider the freestyle fellowship t...
Mixed Media
Price Upon Request
Palazzo Doria Pamphilij Roma
Located in New York, NY
Palazzo Doria Pamphilij, Roma C-print Signed, titled, dated and numbered edition of 5 on artist's label on verso. 39.5 x 47.5 inches, edition of 5 47.5 x 59 inches, edition of 5 7...
C Print
Biblioteca Real Gabinete de Leitura, Rio De Janeiro-Brasile
Located in New York, NY
Biblioteca Real Gabinete de Leitura, Rio De Janeiro-Brasile C-print Signed, titled, dated and numbered edition of 5 on artist's label on verso. 39.5 x 47.5 inches, edition of 5 47....
C Print