Skip to main content

Academic Art

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. 

to
260
459
320
234
151
203
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
50
470
528
317
38
51
49
46
26
21
18
27
15
28
30
113,832
62,305
57,345
26,899
14,637
9,365
6,494
5,550
4,308
3,077
2,404
2,346
2,222
605
622
600
38
861
418
280
262
181
160
142
137
127
105
95
84
74
58
58
54
53
48
47
45
842
661
387
382
199
62
36
16
15
10
658
131
752
601
Style: Academic
Outdoor Italian Stone Garden Sculptures of Roman Mythological subject of Apollo
Outdoor Italian Stone Garden Sculptures of Roman Mythological subject of Apollo

Outdoor Italian Stone Garden Sculptures of Roman Mythological subject of Apollo

Located in Rome, IT

Finely carved mythological subject in Vicenza limestone of Apollo in Excellent condition from an estate of Veneto. Timeless decoration for your interior or garden. Measurements: St...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Limestone

Study of a Seated Woman and Two Smaller Studies of the Same
Study of a Seated Woman and Two Smaller Studies of the Same

Study of a Seated Woman and Two Smaller Studies of the Same

By Henirich Schwemminger

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Study of a Seated Woman and Two Smaller Studies of the Same Unsigned Annotated: "Roma" (Rome) Black chalk heightened with white chalk on buff wove paper Sheet size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches Frame size: 17 5/8 x 13 5/8 inches Condition: Good. Slight staining and discoloration verso. Surface soiling and staining. A few scattered foxmarks. The bottom left corner reattached and backed. Splits at the top corner - backed. A small split at top right corner. A small loss and a hole at top left edge. Framed with conservation glass. Provenance: Spencer A. Samuels & Co., NY Michael Miller Sotheby, New York (label) Heinrich Schwemminger (7 January 1803, Vienna - 13 March 1884, Vienna) was an Austrian history painter. Life and work His father, Anton Schwemminger (1764-1808), was a porcelain painter. His younger brother, Josef, also became a painter. His sister, Theresia, married the painter Karl Schubert; a brother of the composer Franz Schubert. From 1818 to 1830, with a few interruptions, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna. After 1823, he specialized in history painting. He found his inspiration in the Classical sculptors and the works of Raphael. While at the Academy, in 1820, he was awarded the Gundel-Prize for excellence and, after graduating, he received the Reichel-Prize [de] (1833). During those years, he spent much of his time in Munich, where he joined the group of artists who were associated with Moritz von...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Chalk

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

Magnificent Marble Sculpture of Roman Mythological Subject Minerva 1780'
Magnificent Marble Sculpture of Roman Mythological Subject Minerva 1780'

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...

Category

Late 18th Century Academic Art

Materials

Marble

Fabulous Italian Neoclassical Marble Sculpture of Hermes
Fabulous Italian Neoclassical Marble Sculpture of Hermes

Fabulous Italian Neoclassical Marble Sculpture of Hermes

Located in Rome, IT

19th century French finely chiseled bronze figure of Hermes . Signed Pigalle G . Cuspinera Hermes , the messenger of the gods, is sitting on a rock, ready to leap up. He is att...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Pathos
Pathos

Pathos

Located in New York, NY

A sensuous and fabulous piece to enjoy in the round as every vantage point is attractive or on a shelf or table. In the 19th century, the Italians and French were in a golden era f...

Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady

Portrait of a Lady

By Alexandre-François Caminade

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Alexandre François CAMINADE (1789-1862) Portrait of a Lady Oil on wood signed low right Old frame gilded with leaves Wood size : 22 X 15 cm Frame size : 40 X 30 cm Alexandre-Françoi...

Category

1850s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

Still Life Fruits and Crystal
Still Life Fruits and Crystal

Still Life Fruits and Crystal

By Alexandre François Bonnardel

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

BONNARDEL François (1867-1942) Still Life Fruits Crystal Oils on card signed right below Old Frame Dim canvas : 36 X 45 cm Dim frame : 45 X 55 cm BONNARDEL François Alexandre ...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil

Three Men Conversing, Academic Oil Painting on Canvas, 19th Century
Three Men Conversing, Academic Oil Painting on Canvas, 19th Century

Three Men Conversing, Academic Oil Painting on Canvas, 19th Century

By Louis C. Moeller

Located in New York, NY

Signed lower right. Louis Charles Moeller was a master of American genre painting. His meticulously detailed, highly finished paintings of late Victorian interiors received consider...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

19th century color lithograph indigenous portrait figure feathers bison red
19th century color lithograph indigenous portrait figure feathers bison red

19th century color lithograph indigenous portrait figure feathers bison red

By McKenney & Hall

Located in Milwaukee, WI

"Kish-Ke-Kosh, A Fox Brave (Sauk-Fox)" is an original hand-colored lithograph by McKenney & Hall. This piece features a Native American man. Reference: Page 200 of The North American Indian Portfolios in the Library of Congress. 13 1/4" x 9 3/4" art 27 1/4" x 22 3/8" frame American lithograph publishers. Most well-known for "History of the Indian Tribes of North America," a collection of 125 images that included biographical sketches and anecdotes of principal chiefs. Thomas Loraine McKenney (1785-1859) served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs from 1824 to 1830. In that capacity he commissioned and collected portraits of Native Americans...

Category

1830s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Outdoor Italian Stone Garden Sculptures of Mythological subject of Hercules
Outdoor Italian Stone Garden Sculptures of Mythological subject of Hercules

Outdoor Italian Stone Garden Sculptures of Mythological subject of Hercules

Located in Rome, IT

Finely carved mythological subject in Vicenza limestone of Hercules in excellent condition from an estate of Veneto. Timeless decoration for your interior or garden. Measurements: ...

Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Limestone

The Little Ballerina
The Little Ballerina

The Little Ballerina

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Alphonse PELLET (1853-1926) The Little Ballerina Oil on wood panel signed low right Old frame regilded with leaves Size panel : 30 X 43 cm - Size frame : 40 X 55 cm Alphonse PELLET...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

Grand Canal, Venice
Grand Canal, Venice

Grand Canal, Venice

By Warren W. Sheppard

Located in New York, NY

Highly respected American painter Warren Sheppard depicts the fishing boats of Venice with their colorful sails along the still waters of the Adriatic Sea. Sheppard is famous for his...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of Lady
Portrait of Lady

Portrait of Lady

Located in London, GB

John Westbrooke Chandler 1763- 1807 Oil on canvas Image size: 30 x 25 inches (76 x 63.5 cm) Original gilt swept frame This portrait is marked by its loose brushwork, which creates a...

Category

Late 18th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Yellow Canary
The Yellow Canary

The Yellow Canary

By Edmund Adler

Located in Naples, Florida

Signed lower left Provenance: Continental Galleries of Fine Art, Montreal; Private collection, Oregon. This gentle genre scene centers on a yellow canary, rendered with sof...

Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Biblioteca di Michelozzo a S.Marco, Firenze

Biblioteca di Michelozzo a S.Marco, Firenze

By Massimo Listri

Located in New York, NY

Biblioteca di Michelozzo a S.Marco, Firenze, 2009 C-print Signed, titled, dated and numbered edition of 5 on artist's label on verso. The photographer is based in Florence, and is f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Art

Materials

C Print

Mutine
Mutine

Mutine

By Guillaume Seignac

Located in New Orleans, LA

Guillaume Seignac 1870-1924 French Mutine Signed “G. Seignac” (lower right) Oil on canvas A mischievous maiden dominates this garden scene by French Academic artist Guillaume S...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Still Life with Fruit”
“Still Life with Fruit”

“Still Life with Fruit”

By Oliver Clare

Located in Southampton, NY

Very well Victorian still life of fruit by the renowned botanical artist, Oliver Clare. Signed by the artist lower right. Circa 1880. Condition is very good. The painting is housed i...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Pietra Dura Lakeside Villa with Figure”
“Pietra Dura Lakeside Villa with Figure”

“Pietra Dura Lakeside Villa with Figure”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original, elaborately executed pietra dura mosaic plaque of a lakeside Italian villa with boat and figure. Consisting of various marble and exotic stone. Circa 1950. Condition is e...

Category

1950s Academic Art

Materials

Stone

The Chess Game By Georges Croegaert
The Chess Game By Georges Croegaert

The Chess Game By Georges Croegaert

By Georges Croegaert

Located in New Orleans, LA

Georges Croegaert 1848-1923 Belgian The Chess Game Signed "Georges Croegaert Paris" (lower right) Oil on panel This oil on panel by Belgian artist Georges Croegaert is a rich and...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

French School circa 1880, Portrait of a boy holding a book, drawing
French School circa 1880, Portrait of a boy holding a book, drawing

French School circa 1880, Portrait of a boy holding a book, drawing

Located in Paris, FR

French school circa 1880 Portrait of a boy holding a book graphite and white gouache on paper 39.5 x 32 cm oval view in good condition, slightly yellowed with age In its original ova...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Gouache, Pencil

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

Cardinal with Elegant Company by Angelo Zoffoli
Cardinal with Elegant Company by Angelo Zoffoli

Cardinal with Elegant Company by Angelo Zoffoli

Located in New Orleans, LA

Angelo Zoffoli 1860-1910 Italian Cardinal with Elegant Company Signed "A. Zoffoli Roma" (lower right) Oil on canvas A sumptuously dressed cardinal enjoys the company of a fabulou...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Richard Wagner Etching, c. 1880 Signed in the plate (see photo) Edition: c. 200 impressions Condition: mint Image/Plate size: 6 5/8 x 4 3/4 inches Sheet size: 14 3/8 x 10 7/8 inches ...

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Old John
Old John

Old John

Located in New York, NY

Extraordinary that a few women prevailed in the difficult world of casting in bronze in America but Lillie was one of them. There is scant information on her but this marvelous head...

Category

1930s Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

“Orientalist Tropical Sunset”
“Orientalist Tropical Sunset”

“Orientalist Tropical Sunset”

By Paul Pascal

Located in Southampton, NY

Original watercolor and gouache of a colorful tropical sunset by the well known French artist, Paul Pascal. Pascal is known for his watercolor/gouache orientalist paintings. Signe...

Category

Early 1900s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper

“Orientalist Arab on Camel Landscape”
“Orientalist Arab on Camel Landscape”

“Orientalist Arab on Camel Landscape”

By Paul Pascal

Located in Southampton, NY

Original watercolor and gouache by the well known French painter, Paul Pascal. Orientalist landscape with nomads with camels. Signed lower left by the artist and dated 1903. Condit...

Category

Early 1900s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper

The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas

The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas

Located in New Orleans, LA

Eugen von Blaas Italian I 1843-1932 The Water Carrier Signed and dated "E. von Blaas 1891" (lower right) Oil on canvas Eugen von Blaas’ unparalleled skill for genre painting is on...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Gloucester Harbor Docks”
“Gloucester Harbor Docks”

“Gloucester Harbor Docks”

By C. Hjalmar Amundsen

Located in Southampton, NY

Original oil on canvas painting of fishing boats docked In Gloucester harbor in Massachusetts by the well known marine painter, Hjalmar “Cappy” Amundsen. Signed lower left “A. Emers...

Category

1960s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Arab Horsemen 19th Century Antique Landscape orientalist Oil Painting on Canvas
Arab Horsemen 19th Century Antique Landscape orientalist Oil Painting on Canvas

Arab Horsemen 19th Century Antique Landscape orientalist Oil Painting on Canvas

By Adolf Schreyer

Located in Jacksonville, FL

Notes: This painting was reviewed via digital photographs by Max and Dr. Christoph Andreas who confirmed it authenticity. They commented that the painting would benefit from removal of the discolored varnish. Provenance: Provenance: Christie's New York, 19th Century European Paintings, Drawings, Watercolors, and Sculpture, February 23, 1989, Lot 125. Private Collection, Boston MA, Skinner Auction, Nov 2021 Arab Horsemen" by Adolf Schreyer captures the grace and power of Arab horsemen in a vibrant Middle Eastern setting. Schreyer, a renowned artist of the 19th century, adeptly portrays equestrian scenes with exceptional skill and detail. The painting showcases a group of horsemen galloping through a desert landscape, evoking a sense of freedom and adventure. Schreyer's meticulous attention to detail brings the scene to life, with sunlight reflecting off the horses' coats and dust rising beneath their hooves. Beyond its visual appeal, the artwork holds cultural significance, bridging the gap between cultures and inviting appreciation of Arabian heritage. Schreyer's experiences in North Africa, Turkey, and Syria inform his captivating depictions. "Arab Horsemen" is highly regarded in both America and France, where Schreyer's works found admiration among collectors and his association with the Barbizon School solidified his reputation. Owning this artwork not only adds beauty but also connects to a pivotal period in art history, showcasing Schreyer's artistic brilliance and cross-cultural appreciation. Experience the timeless allure of "Arab Horsemen" and embrace the spirit of the Middle East. Frame Size: Width: 36″ x Hight: 24.75″ Frame Thickness: 6.50″ Picture Size: Width: 24″ x 12.75″ Description: Introducing “Arab Horsemen” by Adolf Schreyer: A Captivating Blend of Artistry and Cultural Significance Capture the essence of the vibrant Middle Eastern culture with “Arab Horsemen,” a masterpiece by the renowned artist Adolf Schreyer. This captivating painting takes you on a journey through time, allowing you to witness the grace, power, and elegance of Arab horsemen in their natural element. Adolf Schreyer, a celebrated artist of the 19th century, gained immense popularity and admiration for his exceptional ability to depict equestrian scenes with unparalleled skill and detail. Born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1828, Schreyer developed a profound fascination for the Orientalist movement, which celebrated the exoticism and allure of the Middle East. “Arab Horsemen” exemplifies Schreyer’s signature style, highlighting his mastery of capturing the energy and spirit of his subjects. The painting portrays a group of Arab horsemen galloping across a vast desert landscape, their silhouettes evoking a sense of freedom and adventure. Schreyer’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every brushstroke, as he adeptly captures the shimmering sunlight bouncing off the horses’ coats and the billowing dust beneath their hooves. What sets Schreyer apart is his ability to transcend mere representation and infuse his artworks with a profound cultural significance. His depictions of Arab horsemen are not only visually stunning but also serve as a bridge between cultures, inviting viewers to explore and appreciate the richness of Arabian heritage. The artist’s fascination with the Middle East stems from his experiences traveling through North Africa, Turkey, and Syria, immersing himself in the sights, sounds, and traditions of these enchanting lands. “Arab Horsemen” holds a special place in the hearts of art enthusiasts in both America and France. Schreyer’s works found great admiration and recognition in these countries during his lifetime and continue to captivate audiences to this day. In America, his paintings were sought after by collectors who were drawn to the romanticism and exoticism of the Orient. In France, Schreyer’s association with the Barbizon School, a group of artists who favored realistic depictions of rural life, further solidified his reputation as a respected painter. Owning a piece by Adolf Schreyer, especially “Arab Horsemen,” is not merely acquiring a beautiful artwork but also an opportunity to possess a tangible link to a pivotal period in art history. Schreyer’s ability to seamlessly blend artistic brilliance with cross-cultural appreciation makes this painting an invaluable addition to any collection. Experience the timeless allure of “Arab Horsemen” and let the spirit of the Middle East gallop into your life. Collections holding paintings by Adolf Schreyer include the Collections: Schwerin Gallery Count Mensdorff-Pouilly Collection Raven Gallery, Berlin Rockefeller Family Collection Vanderbilt Family Collection John Jacob Astor Collection William Backhouse Astor, Sr. Collection August Belmont Collection William Walters Collection...

Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Skull and Butterflies - Oil Painting Colors Red Black Brown Beige Grey White
Skull and Butterflies - Oil Painting Colors Red Black Brown Beige Grey White

Skull and Butterflies - Oil Painting Colors Red Black Brown Beige Grey White

By Lyubena Fox

Located in Sofia, BG

"Skull and butterflies " Oil on canvas (Painting with restored frame 19th century 83x66 cm.) Comes with symbolism plaque/label* Through philosophy the mind flourishes The human mind (portrayed by the skull) flourishes and thrives (depicted by the butterflies, used as a positive symbol and symbolize resurrection) through philosophy and understanding oneself (books represent knowledge). Just like the caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies, able to grasp more of the world, the mind has the ability to transform and gain a greater comprehension. Painted entirely from life The Painting’s Qualities Lyubena Fox...

Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Italian Woman in Cloak Costume Study Pencil Drawing 19th Century Figure
Italian Woman in Cloak Costume Study Pencil Drawing 19th Century Figure

Italian Woman in Cloak Costume Study Pencil Drawing 19th Century Figure

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title:Italian Woman in Cloak Costume Study Pencil Drawing 19th Century Figure Medium: original graphite pencil drawing on artists paper image size: 13.25 x 10.25 inches (height x wid...

Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Pencil, Graphite

“Quan Yin”
“Quan Yin”

“Quan Yin”

Located in Southampton, NY

Here for your consideration is a vintage bronze statuette from the mid-20th century depicting Quan Yin. Created during the midcentury period, this bronze statuette features the Quan ...

Category

1950s Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Horse Carriage in the Bourgeoise Yard
Horse Carriage in the Bourgeoise Yard

Horse Carriage in the Bourgeoise Yard

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

James Thomas Wheeler (1849 - 1888) Horse Carriage in the Yard Oil on canvas signed low right Old original frame gilded with leaves Canvas size : 55 X 65 cm Frame size : 85 X 95 cm

Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

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.