Encompassing centuries of change in Europe between 1300 and 1800, from booms of prosperity to bloody revolutions, Old Masters describes a wide range of artists. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked during this era.
The 15th century’s expansive trade and commerce spread culture across borders. A vibrant period of art emerged, bolstered by studies of anatomy and nature that influenced a new visual realism. From Raphael and Michelangelo in the Renaissance to Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer in the Dutch Golden Age, artists expressed emotion, naturalism, color and light in new ways. El Greco and Paolo Veronese were leaders in the dramatic style of Mannerism, while Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens demonstrated the movement and meticulous detail of Baroque art.
Historically, most attention was concentrated on male artists, but recent research and exhibitions have elevated the impactful work of women such as Rachel Ruysch and Artemisia Gentileschi. In late-18th-century France, female artists like Adélaïde Labille-Guiard and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun were prominent names. Nevertheless, access to the academies and guilds was highly restricted for women, and even those able to establish practices were expected to adhere to portraits and still lifes rather than the grand history paintings being created by men.
Find a collection of Old Masters prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors and other art on 1stDibs.
Monastery of St. Augustine, Canterbury /// William Dugdale Monasticon Anglicanum
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Sir William Dugdale (English, 1605-1686) Title: "Monastery of St. Augustine, Canterbury" Portfolio: Monasticon Anglicanum: A History of the Abbies and Other Monasteries, Hosp...
Engraving
Vanitas III (Study) - Still Life Drawing of a Human Skull & Flowers
By Matthew Cook
Located in Chicago, IL
Matthew Cook Vanitas III (Study) Charcoal & Chalk on Paper 10h x 8w in 25.40h x 20.32w cm FRAMED DIMENSIONS 16h x 14w x 1d in 40.64h x 35.56w x 2.54d cm MLC014 Bio: Matthew Cook ...
Paper, Chalk, Charcoal
$1,175
Meissen, Germany : A Large Framed 18th Century Map by Petrus Schenk
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored 18th century map of the Meissen region of Germany, entitled "Geographischer Entwurff Derer Aemmter Meissen als Creys-Procuratur-Schul-und Stiffts-Ammt benebst ...
Engraving
VEDUTA DI CHIAIA, Antonio Cardon - Stampa su carta con cornice, moderna
Located in Napoli, IT
Hand-colored print of the engraving by Antoine Alexandre Joseph Cardon of the original painting by Gabriele Ricciardelli. Edizioni Pontevecchio. Lily logo and a brush with the inscr...
Color
Duck - Colored lithograph on paper 1950s
Located in Napoli, IT
Colored silkscreen print on paper with mahogany wood frame
Paper, Lithograph
$480Sale Price|20% Off
"Moor Tower" and "Kirkham Priory" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// Architecture UK
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Moor Tower" (Plate 173) and "Kirkham Priory" (Plate 328) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Venerable R...
Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio
$1,700
18th century landscape etching pastoral house nature scene detailed ink trees
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"English Country Fisherman by the Cottage" is an original etching by John Thomas Smith. The miniature etching features a country cottage with a thatc...
Paper, Ink, Etching
Adam Elsheimer, etching after a painting of Elsheimer by Jan Meyssens
Located in New York, NY
Wenzel Hollar (1607-1677), Adam Elsheimer, etching after a painting of Elsheimer by Jan Meyssens, 1649, with text and signatures as described below. Ref...
Etching
$480Sale Price|20% Off
"Knaresborough Castle" and "Sawley Abbey" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// British
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Knaresborough Castle" (Plate 330) and "Sawley Abbey" (Plate ...
Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio
"Pendragon Castle" and "Lincoln Castle" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// British UK
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Pendragon Castle" (Plate 312) and "Lincoln Castle" (Plate 170) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Vener...
Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio
"Oakham Castle" and "Nottingham Park/Castle" from "Buck's Antiquities" /// UK
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (English, 1696-1779) and (?-1759/1774) Title: "Oakham Castle" (Plate 242) and "Nottingham Park/Castle" (Plate 226) Portfolio: Buck's Antiquities or Venerable Remains of Above 400 Castles, Monasteries, Palaces in England and Wales Year: 1726-1739 Medium: Set of Two Original Engravings on watermarked laid paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: Unknown Publisher: Robert Sayer, London, UK Sheet size (each): approx. 11" x 18.25" Image size (platemark) (each): approx. 7.75" x 14.75" Reference: Lowndes page 303-304; Upcott page 33 Condition: "Nottingham Park" has light soiling in margins and scattered light foxmarks across sheet. They are both otherwise strong impressions in very good condition Notes: Comes from Samuel and Nathaniel Buck's three volume portfolio "Buck's Antiquities" or "Venerable Remains of Above 400 Castles, Monasteries, Palaces in England and Wales" (1726-1739), which consists of 428 engravings. Both "Oakham Castle" and "Nottingham Park/Castle" have unidentified watermarks in the center of their sheets. They both also have "Liverpool Free Public Library" chop mark/blind stamps at bottom center of their sheets. Old price pencil inscribed in margins. Oakham Castle is a historic building in Oakham, Rutland. The castle is known for its collection of massive horseshoes and is also recognised as one of the best examples of domestic Norman architecture in England. It is a Grade I listed building. Owned and managed by the Rutland County Council, Oakham Castle is licensed for civil...
Laid Paper, Engraving, Intaglio
$7,334Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century by Andrea Locatelli Landscape with fisherman Oil on canvas
By Andrea Locatelli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Andrea Locatelli (Rome, Italy, 1695 – 1741) Title: Landscape with fisherman Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: Without frame 27 x 28.5 cm – with frame 35 x 47.6 x 3.5 cm Not signed ...
Canvas, Oil
17th century etching black and white figures scene
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"The Singer" is an original etching by Cornelis-Pietersz Bega. It depicts a performer and onlookers. Publisher: Pearce #50. 4" x 3" art 16 1/2" x 13 1/2" frame Cornelis Pietersz Be...
Etching
$2,160
18th century landscape etching pastoral house nature scene detailed ink trees
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Near Mill Hill, Gravesend" is an original etching by John Thomas Smith. It depicts a cottage and farmstead with a few small figures. The piece is titled on ...
Etching
$4,000
Vanitas III - Still Life Painting of a Human Skull & Flowers, Oil on Aluminum
By Matthew Cook
Located in Chicago, IL
Inscription on back of drawing: Laughter is mad, and reckless mirth— What does she in this weary earth? Should Wealth, or Fame, Our life employ. Death comes, our labour to destroy; ...
Oil, Acrylic
University of Oxford Oxonia Illustrata 1675 engraving by David Loggan
By David Loggan
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the ...
Engraving
$7,212Sale Price|20% Off
See Landscape Night Naval Battle Mercanti 17/18th Century Paint Oil on copper
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Ilario Mercanti, known as ‘lo Spolverini’ (Parma, 1657 - 1734) Scene of a night-time naval battle oil on copper (oval) 59 x 74 cm - with frame 83...
Oil
The Old Sporting School - Etching by Joseph Banks - 1837
Located in Roma, IT
The Old Sporting School is an artwork, realized by the artist Joseph Banks in 1837. Etching colored. Titled and signed on plate . Beautiful engraving with contemporary colouring. E...
Etching
$7,500
The Guide - Portrait of Mentor in Grey, Oil on Canvas, 2026, Signed, 40x30 in
By Bruno Surdo
Located in Chicago, IL
The Guide A frontal, iconic figure in muted grisaille suggests authority, mentorship, and memory. The title “Mentor” inscribed in the field gives the image a quiet reverence, as thou...
Canvas, Oil
Armadillo Dormant
Located in New York, NY
Signed and dated
Paper, India Ink
$4,500
17th century etching black and white landscape scene forest trees goats
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Les Chevres (The Goats)" is an original etching by Claude Lorrain. It depicts two pairs of goats and a shepherd watching over them. This etching is also in the collections of the Me...
Etching
18th century triptych etching figurative prints small black and white expressive
Located in Milwaukee, WI
François Vivares was known to have produced several copies of images after older masters, such as, in this case, Rembrandt van Rijn. In this set, Vivares reproduces "The Quacksalver" (1635, Bartsch 129), "Beggar man and beggar woman conversing" (1630, Bartsch 164), and "Beggar Seated Warming...
Etching
$235
Capital letter C from the Antiquities of Herculaneum - Etching - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Capital letter C for the Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed, original etching from the end of the 18th century, made by Various Old Masters. In very good condition, except for some ...
Etching
$10,538Sale Price|20% Off
Parrot, Snake, Lizard and Ducks, 17th Century Genoese School
Located in Liphook, GB
Parrot, Snake, Lizard and Ducks, 17th Century Genoese School Fine Large 17th Century Italian Old Master from the Genoese School of a parrot, ducks a lizard and snake, oil on canva...
Oil
17th century etching black and white landscape forest trees figures scene
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Danse Sous Les Arbes (The Country Dance)" is an etching by Claude Gellee (Le Lorrain). This etching is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum and the Louvre. Publisher: Ma...
Etching
17th century etching black and white landscape forest trees figures scene
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Le Patre et la Bergere (The Herdsman & Shepherdess)" is an etching by Claude Gellee (Le Lorrain). This etching is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum and the British M...
Etching
19th century landscape/portrait horse with army officer, William Edward Millner
Located in York, GB
Portrait of a bay horse with army officer seated on a drinking trough, signed with monogram and and dated 81', inscribed verso 'by W E Milner, Gainsborough', oil on canvas. The size overall being 44 x 57 cm (17.5 x 22.5 inches) whilst the image is 35 x 48 cm ( 19 14 inches ) In very good condition housed in a gilt frame. William Edward Millner...
Oil
Bronze Sculpture of a Woman's Head, 19th Century, Old Masters Style
Located in Florence, IT
Bronze jug (20.5 x 12 cm, with a wooden base measuring 10 cm high x 10 cm in diameter) shaped like a woman's head. The young woman has wavy hair reminiscent of ancient statues, parti...
Bronze
$5,220
20th century color lithograph figurative landscape print sepia sketch signed
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Nicolas Poussin, Homage" is an original color lithograph by Claude Weisbuch. The artist signed the piece in the lower right and wrote the edition numb...
Lithograph
$5,220
17th century etching black and white seascape scene boat waves ocean clouds sky
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Tempete" is an original etching by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellee). This is Claude's earliest dated etching (1630). The work depicts a storm-tossed sea with ships on the verge of ...
Etching
17th century etching black and white landscape scene forest trees cattle
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Le Bouvier (The Cowherd)" is an original etching by Claude Lorrain. It depicts a shepherd with a herd of cows. This etching is also in the collections of the Met and the Louvre. It ...
Etching
Mysteries of the Passion
Located in New York, NY
Jacques Callot (1592-1635), Mysteries of the Passion (Variae Tum Passionis Christi, Tum Vitiae Beatae Mariae Virginis), complete set of 20 etchings plus the frontispiece by Abraham Bosse (Reference Meaume 31). c. 1631. Reference: Lieure 679-698, second state (of 2). In very good condition, archival mounting. A fine set of these small etchings, printed on 5 plates/sheets of laid paper, with margins, 3 of the plates with partial Crown watermarks (possibly Lieure 45). The set of 20 etchings includes 7 in circular format, with a diameter of 1 1/4 inches; 7 larger ovals with a length of 1 7/8 inches, and 6 smaller ovals with a length of 1 1/2 inches. These are on 5 plates, with margins outside of the etchings of about 5/8 inches. The frontispiece is 3 1/2 x 3, the sheet 4 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches. The 20 etchings of the series include: Plate with 6 Scenes (Lieure 685-690): Ovals: Adoration of the Shepherds, Visitation, Adoration of the Magi; Circles: Descent into Limbo, Descent of the Holy Spirit, Entombment 2 Plate with 4 Scenes Each (Lieure 691-698): Ovals: Annunciation, Christ Among Teachers, Circumcision, Presentation; Circles: Resurrection, Crucifixion, Descent from the Cross, Transfiguration 2 Plates with 3 Oval Scenes Each (Lieure 679-684): Carrying of the Cross, Presentation to the People, Crowning with Thorns, Flagellation, Christ Before Pilate...
Etching
Letter R - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter R is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli artist of 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichit...
Etching
Capital Letter C - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter C is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter R - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter R is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli artist of 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichit...
Etching
Capital Letter C - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter C is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter P - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter P is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
"Ganesh", 2002
By Ron Hamad
Located in Hudson, NY
Shipping time depends on method of shipping. ____________ This piece from Ron Hamad's second solo exhibit at Robin Rice Gallery depicts the Hindu God Ganesh...
Lithograph
Capital Letter C - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter C is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter Q - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter Q is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Capital Letter C - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter C is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter S - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter S is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter P - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter P is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter L - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter L is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli in 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Er...
Etching
Letter N - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter N is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli of 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Er...
Etching
Letter B - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter B is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter Q - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter Q is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter U - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter U is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter B - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter B is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter S - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter S is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter B - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter B is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter I - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter I is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter S - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter S is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter U - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter U is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter S - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter S is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter L - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter L is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli in 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Er...
Etching
Letter Q - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter Q is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Ercolano Esposte”)...
Etching
Letter L - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter L is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli in 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Er...
Etching
Letter R - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter R is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli artist of 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichit...
Etching
Letter N - Etching by Luigi Vanvitelli - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Letter N is an Etching realized by Luigi Vanvitelli of 18th century. The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità di Er...
Etching