Unsigned Old Master

A painting produced by a skilled, noteworthy European artist that was produced before the 19th century may be considered an Old Master painting. 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 in Europe between 1300 and 1800. Some artists considered Old Masters include William Blake, Caravaggio, Jacques-Louis David, Frans Hals, Francisco Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Titian and Jan Vermeer. On 1stDibs, find a variety of paintings from some of the world’s top galleries.

A number of artists who were important in the history and development of Western art are considered Old Masters. They include Albrecht Dürer, Caravaggio, Jacques-Louis David, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Find a large selection of fine art on 1stDibs.

Who the greatest Old Masters in art history are is largely a matter of debate. 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. Shop a large selection of art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.