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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
Prosperous Family: Academic Figurative Painting by Mark Beard aka Bruce Sargeant
Prosperous Family: Academic Figurative Painting by Mark Beard aka Bruce Sargeant

Prosperous Family: Academic Figurative Painting by Mark Beard aka Bruce Sargeant

By Mark Beard

Located in Hudson, NY

Academic style figurative painting on canvas of a family and red tractor against a classic American farm field "Prosperous Family", painted by Mark Beard under his fictitious persona, Bruce Sargeant 84 x 58 inches unframed, 91 x 65 x 3 inches with a gold painted wood frame Excellent condition, ready to hang as is This Academic style figurative oil painting on canvas was painted by Mark Beard as Bruce Sargeant, a pseudonym in homage to the fashion photographer, Bruce Weber, and figurative painter, John Singer Sargeant. Here, the artist captures a blue collar American farming family in their field with an old red tractor. The man and woman stand stoically with their young child, dressed in simple white garments, perhaps to symbolize their purity. Rolling mountains...

Category

Early 2000s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Young Italian woman in traditional dress holding a tambourine
Young Italian woman in traditional dress holding a tambourine

Young Italian woman in traditional dress holding a tambourine

Located in Genève, GE

This superb 19th-century portrait depicts a young Italian woman in traditional dress, holding a tambourine, a symbol of music and popular celebration. Dressed in a white shirt with ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Three Fishermen in a Boat Watercolor, 20th Century American Sporting Art
Three Fishermen in a Boat Watercolor, 20th Century American Sporting Art

Three Fishermen in a Boat Watercolor, 20th Century American Sporting Art

By John Whorf

Located in Marco Island, FL

A masterful example of John Whorf at the height of his powers, this large and luminous watercolor depicts three fishermen on a calm, silver-blue lake or bay, their figures rendered w...

Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper

Hercules Italian Stone Sculpture of Classical Torso  with Base
Hercules Italian Stone Sculpture of Classical Torso  with Base

Hercules Italian Stone Sculpture of Classical Torso with Base

Located in Rome, IT

This reproduction of a classical Hellenistic sculpture of Hercules . A timeless piece for interior and a garden decoration. We can raise with a base on request .

Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Limestone

"Daffodils in Ceramic Pitcher"
"Daffodils in Ceramic Pitcher"

"Daffodils in Ceramic Pitcher"

Located in Southampton, NY

Here for your consideration is a beautiful watercolor still life on heavy paper by the German artist, E. Riehle. Signed and dated lower right, 1903. In good condition with it's orig...

Category

Early 1900s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Untitled: Left Side Seated Nude
Untitled: Left Side Seated Nude

Untitled: Left Side Seated Nude

Located in New York, NY

Unknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled: Left Side Seated Nude", Unsigned Figurative/ Nude Watercolor, Charcoal (Mixed Media) Painting on Paper, 18 x 14, Late...

Category

Late 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Charcoal, Mixed Media

Lively Conversation at a Balustrade, 19th Century Oil on Canvas
Lively Conversation at a Balustrade, 19th Century Oil on Canvas

Lively Conversation at a Balustrade, 19th Century Oil on Canvas

Located in Genève, GE

Work on canvas Dimensions with frame : 83 x 101.5 x 3.5 cm This 19th-century painting depicts a genre scene, typical of the academic and romantic art of the period. It shows three fi...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil

“Tipos”
“Tipos”

“Tipos”

Located in Southampton, NY

Oil paint on heavy illustration board by the Spanish artist, Cecilio Pla. Signed lower right. Titled and signed verso. “Tipos” means types; different type...

Category

Early 1900s Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Illustration Board

“Montalcino”
“Montalcino”

“Montalcino”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on board painting of the historic town of Montalcino in Italy by the well known American artist, David Buckley Good. Signed by the artist lower left. Titled verso. Gr...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Italian Stone Garden Sculpture of Roman Mythological subject Apollo
Italian Stone Garden Sculpture of Roman Mythological subject Apollo

Italian Stone Garden Sculpture of Roman Mythological subject Apollo

Located in Rome, IT

Finely carved mythological subject in Vicenza limestone of Apollo and Minerva Excellent condition from an estate of Veneto. Measurements: Statues cm 150, base cm 85.

Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Limestone

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

“Double Portrait”
“Double Portrait”

“Double Portrait”

Located in Southampton, NY

Beautiful original oil on canvas double portrait painting of a young boy and girl with cat (moist likely brother and sister) attributed to the hand of American artist, John Carlin. ...

Category

1860s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Untitled (Ship at Sea)
Untitled (Ship at Sea)

Untitled (Ship at Sea)

Located in New York, NY

Unknown/Unidentified Artist Signature, "Untitled: Ships at Sea", Landscape/Seascape Pencil Drawing on Paper, 4.50 x 8 (10 x 13.50 Framed), Mid to Late 20th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Male Nude, framed hand pulled artist's proof print, brown tones
Male Nude, framed hand pulled artist's proof print, brown tones

Male Nude, framed hand pulled artist's proof print, brown tones

By Esteban Chavez

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage work by Esteban Chavez illustrates his skills as a master-printer. Plate size dimension is 4.25" x 4" Framed, the work measures 16.5" x 14" Please note, there is a sm...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Etching, Aquatint

Paire Flower Arrangement

Paire Flower Arrangement

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

MARTIN DES AMOIGNES, Elisabeth (1858-1936) Paire Flower Arrangement Oil on canvas signed New golden Frames Dim canvas : 110 X 32 cm Dim frame : 125 X 47 cm MARTIN des AMOIGNES, E...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

Still Life, Flowers and Fruit
Still Life, Flowers and Fruit

Still Life, Flowers and Fruit

Located in New York, NY

A stunning and dramatic still life by noted Belgian 19th century artist, David De Noter. Framed in a complimentary Empire style 22 karat hand carved frame....

Category

1860s 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

“Dead Gull”
“Dead Gull”

John Duncan“Dead Gull”, 1902

$1,200Sale Price|50% Off

“Dead Gull”

By John Duncan

Located in Southampton, NY

In original gold leaf pierced frame Signed and dated lower right 1902 Sight size 7.5 x 9.5 in

Category

Early 1900s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

19th century color lithograph portraits patriotic American stars flags
19th century color lithograph portraits patriotic American stars flags

19th century color lithograph portraits patriotic American stars flags

By Nathaniel Currier

Located in Milwaukee, WI

"The Presidents of the U.S." is an original hand-colored lithograph by Nathaniel Currier. It features the first eleven presidents of the United States. 14" x 10" art 23" x 19 1/8" frame Nathaniel Currier was born March 27, 1813 to Nathaniel and Hannah Currier in Roxbury, Massachusetts. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to William S. and John Pendleton of Boston who had set up the first lithographic establishment in America. His apprenticeship served him well as he went on to be the largest publisher of lithographs. Mr. Maurer described Nat Currier as being very gentlemanly and liberal. As is evident to the success of the firm of Currier & Ives he was very devoted to his business. Nat Currier had many friends including Horace Greely and P.T. Barnum. He was well known for his sense of humor and Harry T. Peters tells one story about P. T. Barnum. "Currier had heard that one day his friend, the great showman, had rushed into the barber shop of the old Park Hotel, at Beekman and Nassau Streets, to get a shave. Barnum had hurried up to Tom Higginson, the barber, and said, 'Tom, I'm in a hurry.' 'Sorry for it,' said Tom, 'but it's that gentleman's turn next.' 'That gentleman' was an unshaven irshman waiting for a ten-cent shave. Barnum turned to him and said, 'My friend, if you will let me have your turn, I'll pay for what you have done.' The gentleman consented, and, as Barnum found out later, had a full job done - absolutely everything the house had. The check was for a dollar and sixty cents. When Currier heard this story he found the very Irishman and had him pose. The result was the famous cartoon, "The Man that Gave Barnum 'His Turn.'" Nathaniel was married twice; his first wife was Miss Eliza West of Boston. He had one son with Eliza, Edward West Currier. In 1847 he married Miss Laura Ormsbee of Vermont. Laura and Nathaniel are memorialized in the famous N. Currier lithograph The Road Winter...

Category

1840s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Homeward with Dog and Burden
Homeward with Dog and Burden

Homeward with Dog and Burden

Located in North Clarendon, VT

This finely painted 19th-century genre scene evokes the crisp chill of winter at the gloaming. As the last pale light glints across a frozen pond, one child hauls a bundle of kindlin...

Category

1860s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

Study for Ruth Gathering Wheat 19th Century Large Antique Oil Painting on Canvas
Study for Ruth Gathering Wheat 19th Century Large Antique Oil Painting on Canvas

Study for Ruth Gathering Wheat 19th Century Large Antique Oil Painting on Canvas

Located in Jacksonville, FL

Study for Ruth Gathering Wheat The Painting is monogrammed bottom left side Provenance: Notes: This is the full scale version of Ruth in Pharoah's Fields exhibited at the Royal Academy (now lost). Exhibited at the Bristol Art Museum, Birmingham UK Private Collection, Detroit, MI Description: Sir Edwin Long (1829-1891) was a renowned British painter known for his historical and Orientalist artworks. Born in Bath, England, Long displayed exceptional artistic talent from an early age. He received formal training at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, where he honed his skills and developed his distinctive style. One of Long’s oil paintings...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Voilier en Bretagne”
“Voilier en Bretagne”

“Voilier en Bretagne”

Located in Southampton, NY

“Voilier en Bretagne” or “Sailboat in Brittany” is an oil painting on a wooden panel by the French artist, Eugene Jacquet. Signed by the artist lower right. Circa 1880. Condition i...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Board

French School 19th Century, A Muskeeter, original pencil drawing
French School 19th Century, A Muskeeter, original pencil drawing

French School 19th Century, A Muskeeter, original pencil drawing

Located in Paris, FR

French school 19th Century A Muskeeter Pencil on paper 26.5 x 17 cm Bears a signature "F. Roybet" in the lower right In quite good condition, bears some visible foxings, In an old mount (some damages) (not framed) Even if the style, execution and of course subject are those of Ferdinand Roybet...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

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.