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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. 

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Style: Academic
Period: 1970s
VOLTO DI DONNA - Stampa riproduzione Emilio Greco, anni 70
Located in Napoli, IT
Stampa riprodizione del disegno " Volto di Ragazza" realizzato dal disegnatore Emilio Greco.Firmato in basso a destra. Scultore italiano (Catania 1913 - Roma 1995). Trasferitosi a Ro...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Color

“La Femme aux Figues”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original etching and lavis in black ink on Arches watermarked crème laid paper by Paul Gauguin. Titled: “La Femme aux Figues” (The Woman with Figs). This impression is from the 3rd s...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Etching

Giorgio De Chirico ( 1888 – 1978 ) – Autoritratto – hand-signed lithograph –1970
Located in Varese, IT
Original color lithograph , edited in 1970 limited edition signed in pencil in lower right corner and numbered as: 72/110 paper size: 70 x 53,5 cm framed size: 93,5 x 77 cm ( origina...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph, Paper

Nude back (1978) - Ink on paper 46x63 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
China Ink Signed H. Balslaecj (artist unknown from the gallery) and dated 1978 Pastel wooden frame with plexiglas Total size with frame: 75x57x6 cm
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Ink

“Portland Harbor in 1910”
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautiful watercolor and gouache on archival paper by the well known Maine artist Bill Paxton. The watercolor depicts what Portland harbor in Maine looked like in 1910 with sailing vessels of the era moored in the harbor. Signed lower right by the artist. Titled verso. Circa 1975. Condition is excellent and is finely matted and framed. The artwork is matted and framed in a thin gold leaf custom gallery frame. Overall framed measurements are 17.5 by 21.75 inches. Provenance: Sarasota, Florida estate. William (Bill) Paxton 1930—2007 William Paxton, born August 5, 1930 in Lewiston, was one of Maine’s top selling artists. He had a passion for painting and from a young age he was known for his talents in sketching. Paxton captured many popular Maine scenes with watercolor, acrylic, and oils. His work also includes historical scenes he referenced in books from as early as the 1920’s, painting locomotives, aircraft, and war scenes. Paxton’s art is sold all over the world. As a student at Bridgton Academy, he was featured in his yearbook. It states, “When artist Bill picks up his pen, we all stand at attention, for his remarks and pictures are certainly worth mention.” He wanted to pursue a career selling his art, but it was during the time of the Great Depression. Also in his younger years, Paxton had an interest in skiing and won a medal for Second Highest Ski Jump. From there he went to flying and received a certification for Second-in-Command, to fly alongside the captain in a C-46F type of aircraft. He then joined the Air Force in the 40’s, although his passion and talents for art were constant throughout his life. Paxton quickly became the front line military sketch...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper

Brothel, Groovy Harem with Courtesan, Concubine, Paramour, Playboy Magazine
Located in Miami, FL
George Hirsch - He gets his inspiration from the prototype of neo-classic painting for this groovy 1970s brothel. This is a complex figural work with m...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Gouache

At Paulette's by M. Opériol - Drawing 32x41 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on canton paper
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Pastel

Man and Sun Gold Screenprint by Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lebadang, Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Title: Untitled - Man and Sun Medium: Silkscreen, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 30 x 22 in. (76.2 x 55.88 cm)
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Screen

Venice: View of the Grand Canal - Héliogravure, 1975
By Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto)
Located in Paris, FR
After Giovanni Antonio Canaletto Venice: View of the Grand Canal Héliogravure after the original etching (Atelier Jacomet) Printed signature in the plate On paper Vergé de Hollande,...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Engraving, Etching

Horse and Woman Gold Leaf Screen Print by Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lebadang, Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Title: Untitled - Horse and Woman Medium: Silkscreen, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 30 x 22 in. (76.2 x...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Camellia "Paul Jones Supreme"
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones are quite impressive with dramatic backgrounds and ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Cute Koala Bear Australia, Photorealism
Located in Miami, FL
John Ruthven is recognized as the “20th-century Audubon. In this very detailed and meticulously rendered work the artist depicts a Koala in an iconic and proud pose and a Photoreali...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

Cute Koala Bear Australia, Photorealism
Located in Miami, FL
John Ruthven is recognized as the “20th-century Audubon. In this very detailed and meticulously rendered work the artist depicts a Koala in an iconic and proud pose and a Photoreali...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Gouache, Watercolor

Rosa Nevada (Rose)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones are quit...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

After the Bath (Edition 19/250)
Located in New York, NY
Jan De Ruth (American/ Czech, 1922-1991), " After the Bath" Edition 19/250, Figurative Lithograph on Paper signed and titled in Pencil, 30 x 21 (Image: 25 x 15.50), ca. 1970s, Late 20th Century Colors: Blue, Yellow, Red, Grey, White, Purple Jan De Ruth enjoyed special popularity as a portrait artist and has become one of the best known painters of the nude female in the world today. It's a long way from sketching in leftover coffee to painting a portrait of Ethel Kennedy for the cover of Time Magazine, twenty-five years in fact; and during that period, Jan De Ruth's personal experiences have been enough to fill two ordinary lifetimes. Through them all, art has sustained him and been his primary interest. To begin with, De Ruth, a native of Czechoslovakia and now an American citizen, spent the years of World War II being shunted through 5 different concentration camps, including the infamous Auschwitz. He made four escape attempts and finally made good on his fifth try. De Ruth constantly sought materials with which to draw, but "The only things we had were the few pieces of cloth we wore," he recalls. By chance, he was transferred to Germany as part of a labor detail and managed to sneak a pencil away from the camp supervisor-"I became a perfect thief during those years," he says. Jan drew a mother and child on a scrap of paper he scrounged from the factory where he worked, filled it in with shadings of coffee in various strengths-his finger was his brush. He exchanged the sketch for a piece of bread from a camp guard, and in effect, sold his first painting. In March of 1945, after being transferred to his native Czechoslovakia, he made his successful escape "knowing every step of the way." After the war, De Ruth became the commissar in a small Czech town and remained in the post for one year, just long enough to forge some documents that allowed him to flee to England. He took up residence in London and enrolled at the Ruskin Art School in Oxford University. He arrived in the USA in 1948. There are times in the life of a painter when his dedication to his art is overshadowed by the immediate requirements of self-preservation. This was one of those times! From '48 to 1955 he supported himself by working at night, earning his way painting designs on neckties and bathroom cups; as a fashion designer, illustrator, vacuum cleaner salesman, theatre manager, and actor. In '55 Jan De Ruth made his professional debut as a full-time artist and two years later his first one-man show established him as a serious painter. His work has been acclaimed for combining the technique of the old masters with a modern manner, and has been exhibited in more than 40 one-man shows in galleries and museums across the United States. He has been judged positively by juries in 28 national exhibitions and his numerous awards include the Purchase Prize of the Butler Institute of American Art, and the Gold Medal of the National Arts Club. De Ruth, author of the books "Portrait Painting" and "Painting the Nude," has devoted his entire life to painting the female face and form. He enjoys special popularity as a portraitist and has become one of the best known painters of the nude female in the world today. Often asked why he concentrates on this most demanding of all art subjects he replies: . . . "Each painting of the nude becomes a new experience . . . It (the human figure) is nature's most perfect and most imperfect creation, communicating, even in silence and immobility, the physical and spiritual power-and frailty-of humanity." Articulate, sophisticated, outspoken and well informed, De Ruth has also been a welcome guest on radio and television shows. But, it is painting that gives a purpose to Jan De Ruth's existence: "It is an unending challenge-there is no end, no final result-to be found in painting the human body. I have never seen two gestures that are alike, but so are the possibilities of expression. There will always be painters who will find one more way of saying: "See! This is what I feel about humans." . . . So until a greater challenge and a more profound symbol comes along, it is the human figure I wish to paint." AWARDS Butler Institute of American Art Purchase Prize Oguniquit Art Center Knickerbocker Artist 1964 Audubon Artist, Grumbacher Purchase Prize National Arts Club of America Gold Medal Windsor-Newton Award of the National Arts Club ONE MAN MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS B'nai B'rith Museum - Washington D.C. Florida Gulf Coast Art...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Carrying Fruit Gold Leaf Screenprint by Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lebadang, Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Title: Untitled - Carrying Fruit Medium: Silkscreen, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 47 x 20.5 in. (119.38 x 52.07 cm)
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Two Horses and Flowers Gold Screenprint by Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lebadang, Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Title: Untitled - Two Horses and Flowers Medium: Silkscreen, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 31 x 47 in. (78.74 x 119.38 cm)
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Screen

Dodo Gold Leaf Screen Print by Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lebadang, Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Title: Untitled - Dodo Medium: Silkscreen, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 31 x 31 in. (78.74 x 78.74 cm)
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Screen

"The Working Man"
By R.V. Rowe
Located in Southampton, NY
34 x 28 overall Canvas laid down on artist board Signed lower right Overall in gold leaf frame 30x24 inches R.W. Rowe Circa 1970’s
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Vanda Sanderiana (Whaling-Whaling Orchid)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones are quite impressive with dramatic backgrounds and ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Actinotus Helianthii. (Flannel Flower. Australia.)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Datura Aborea (Angel's Trumpet)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Auriculas (Bears Ears)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Papaver Orientalis (Red Poppy)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Rhododendron Aurigeranum
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Strongylodon Macrobotrys (Jade Vine)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones are quite impressive with dramatic backgrounds and...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Mucuna Bennetti (Jade Vine Red, New Guinea Creeper)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones are quite impressive with dramatic backgrounds and ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Lapageria Rosea (Chilean Bellflower)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Paeonia Black Pirate (Peony)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

White Headed Eagle - Young (Bald Eagle)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. Birds of America Amsterdam Edition. Johnson Reprint Company, New York. Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Netherlands G. Schut & Zonen watermark. 1971-73 Edition of ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Helleborus Orientalis (Lenten Rose)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Amherstia Nobilis (Pride of Burma)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Fuschia (Peruvian Fuschia or Berrybush)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Nymphaea Capensis (Water Lily)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones are quite impressive with dramatic backgrounds and ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Iris -- Staten Island and Sable Night
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Hibiscus (Chinese Rose)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sunflower (Healianthus Annus)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Clemantis Nelly Moser
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Pharbitis Tricolor (Morning Glory)
Located in Florham Park, NJ
Paul Jones. (1921-1997) Flora Superba. London, 1971. Edition of 406. Flora Magnifica. London, 1976. Edition of 506. Lithographs. The portraits of flowers by Paul Jones ...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

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.

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