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.
Fine 1700's Italian Old Master Ink & Wash Drawing Roman Allegorical Insubria
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
'Insubria' Italian School, 18th century ink and wash drawing on paper, framed within a light oak wood frame (behind glass) image size: 10.5 x 7 inches overall framed: 17 x 13 inches ...
Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
Dutch Vessel Passing a Rocky Headland with Dolphins
Located in Stockholm, SE
This finely executed cabinet painting belongs to the rich tradition of early seventeenth century Dutch marine painting associated with Haarlem and the circle surrounding Cornelis Ver...
Oak, Oil, Wood Panel
Large 19th Century Dutch Oil Floral Still Life Roses in Terracotta Vase Garden
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Large 19th Century Dutch Floral Still Life Roses in Terracotta Vase Garden Setting Oil Painting Dutch/ German artist, late 19th century indistinctly signed and dated 1896 oil on canv...
Oil
A British Man O’War in distress on a rocky coast in a storm
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Johann c. van der Hagen (1676-c.1745) A British Man O’War in distress on a rocky coast in a storm Signed 'J. vanderhagen' lower right Oil on canvas Canvas size - 38 1/2 x 51 in Framed size - 46 x 59 in Provenance The Collection the Most Hon. Marquis of Headfort at Headfort, Kells, Co. Meath; His sale, Christie's, Important Old Master Paintings, 29 November 1968, Lot 28; Private Collection, Oxfordshire Johann C. van der Hagen was a Dutch-born marine and landscape painter whose atmospheric depictions of ships, storms, and coastal scenes earned him recognition in Britain and Ireland during the first half of the eighteenth century. Although relatively obscure today, he was among the group of continental artists who helped shape the development of maritime painting outside the Netherlands during the late Baroque period. Born in The Hague in May 1676, van der Hagen trained within the strong Dutch tradition of marine painting that had flourished during the seventeenth century. Dutch artists of this era were internationally admired for their technical understanding of ships, changing weather conditions, and the dramatic effects of light upon water. Van der Hagen absorbed these influences early in his career, producing works characterised by animated seas, carefully observed rigging, and a keen sense of atmosphere. At some point in the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century, he moved to London, then one of Europe’s most important centres for maritime commerce and naval power. There he entered an artistic environment already shaped by celebrated Dutch émigré painters such as Willem van de Velde the Younger and his circle. Van der Hagen’s paintings reveal the influence of this Anglo-Dutch marine tradition, especially in his treatment of naval vessels and storm-driven seas. Contemporary records also suggest that his family became connected with artistic circles in London; one source notes that his daughter Bernada married the marine painter Cornelis van de Velde in 1699. Van der Hagen later settled in Ireland, where he appears to have been active from the 1720s onward. Dublin became his principal base, though he travelled widely and worked in several parts of the country, particularly in the south. During this period he established a reputation as a painter of landscapes and especially sea-pieces, which were admired by patrons for their lively handling and dramatic composition. Irish sources describe him as talented but somewhat eccentric and indolent, producing work irregularly and often only when financial necessity compelled him to paint. Among his documented activities was his employment in 1728 by the tapestry manufacturer Robert Baillie...
Oil
Still life of flowers on a ledge
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Attributed to Francesco Codino (c.1590-c.1631) Still life of flowers on a ledge Oil on panel Painting Size - 15 1/2 x 14 in Framed Size - 22 x 20 in Provenance With Jocelyn Fielding...
Oil
17th Century Netherlandish Portrait of Gentleman with Ruff c.1620
Located in Stockholm, SE
Provenance: The Raeburn Gallery, as by Maerten de Vos; Bukowskis, Stockholm, 15–18 April 1970, lot 133, as in the manner of Anthony van Dyck; Private collection, Sweden Essay: This ...
Oil, Wood Panel
French school, circa 1840, Portrait of a Gentleman, oil on wood, signed
Located in Paris, FR
French school, circa 1840, Portrait of a Gentleman, monogrammed D.L. on the lower right oil on wood panel 28.8 x 24,8 In a beautiful antique frame : 48 x 43.5 cm This gentleman’s...
Oil
Late XIX Century Italian Church Interior
Located in Roma, IT
A beautiful oil painting on canvas from the second half of the 19th century. It depicts a church interior with rare intensity. The attention to detail, the quality of the brushwork, ...
Canvas, Oil
$6,500
17th Century Memento Mori Vanitas Skull Old Master Oil Ex-Christie’s
Located in Yardley, PA
This wonderful 17th-century French School vanitas painting is a meditation on mortality and the transience of earthly pleasures. The composition centers on a finely rendered human sk...
Canvas, Oil
"Two Terrier Puppies in the Kitchen, 1862"- Vincent De Vos (Belgium, 1829-1875)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Two Terrier Puppies in the Kitchen w/Carrots Vincent De Vos (Belgium 1829-1875) Oil on wood panel Signed and date "10 12 62" lower right 13 x 17 1/2 (18 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches A charming study of a Dutch...
Oil, Wood Panel
$5,024
Fine Antique Classical Roman Landscape Figures Boats Merchant Port Ancient City
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheeba British School, early 19th century, apparently unsigned though the previous owner insisted it was. after the earlier painting by Claude Lorrai...
Oil
Queen Sofonisba Portrait Nuvolone Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (Milan 1609 – Milan 1662), attributed The Suicide of Queen Sofonisba Oil on canvas 76 x 60 cm. - In frame 100 x 85 cm. This painting captures the tr...
Oil
An interior of a Gothic cathedral with figures
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Bartholomeus van Bassen (The Hague 1590-1652) An interior of a Gothic cathedral with figures signed and dated 'B v Bassen / 1650' (on pillar, lower right) Oil on panel Painting size ...
Oil
A peacock surrounded by other birds, in a landscape
By Marmaduke Cradock
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Attributed to Marmaduke Craddock (1660-1716) A peacock surrounded by other birds, in a landscape Oil on canvas Canvas Size 40 x 50 in Framed Size 46...
Oil
View of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unknown artist (Naples), 19th century View of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius oil on metal plate unframed: 7.8 cm (3.1 in) diameter framed: 20.5 × 20.5 cm (8.1 × 8.1 in) Thi...
Metal
$1,361Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century Dutch Oil Painting Figures outside Building in Ancient Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures in Landscape Dutch School, 17th century oil on wood panel, framed in antique wooden frame framed: 14.5 x 17 inches panel : 10 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, Engl...
Oil
$19,743
An Italianate landscape with a messenger & his horse on a wooded path, a lake
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Tobias Young (1786-1828) An Italianate landscape with a messenger & his horse on a wooded path, a lake & ancient ruins beyond Signed & dated “J. Young 1821” lower centre Oil on ...
Oil
$7,625Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 18th Century Italian Classical Huge Oil Painting Figures Animals Landscape
By Jan Frans van Bloemen (Orizzonte)
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures & Animals in Classical Landscape circle of Jans Frans Van Bloemen (Orizzonte 1662 - 1749), unsigned oil on canvas, framed framed: 28.5 x 42.5 inches canvas: 19 x 34 inches P...
Oil
$5,326Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 17th Century Dutch Golden Age Old Master Oil Figures in Classical Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures in Classical Landscape Dutch School, 17th century unsigned, as is typical of the period oil on canvas, framed inscribed verso to label framed: 23 x 27 inches canvas : 20 x 24...
Oil
$4,184Sale Price|20% Off
Adoration of the Shepherds by a follower of Denys Calvaert
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unknown Italo-Flemish Artist (active circa 1600) Adoration of the Shepherds oil on copper unframed: 32 × 25.5 cm (12.6 × 10 in) framed: 43 × 37 cm (16.9 × 14.6 in) Provenance: Acq...
Copper
$5,508Sale Price|20% Off
Holy Family Lanzani Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Religious Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Andrea Lanzani (Milan 1641–1712) attributed to The Holy Family with Angels (Probably a preparatory sketch) Oil on canvas 43 x 33 cm. - Framed 62 x 52 cm. The charming paint...
Oil
Huge Antique Oil Painting Oval Portrait of Mary Magdalene Holding Ointment Jar
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Mary Magdalene with an Ointment Jar Spanish School, early 20th century, unsigned after the earlier 16th century painting by Jan van Scorel oil on panel, framed framed: 4...
Oil
$980Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Large Oil Painting Portrait of the Lady with the Fan Diego Velazquez
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of the Lady with a Fan English School, second half 20th century after Diego Velazquez's (1599-1660) original painting oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas : 36 x 28 inche...
Oil
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Old Master Oil Painting Christ Healing the Sick in Jersusalem
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Christ Healing the Sick French School, 19th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 15 x 20.5 inches Provenance: private collection, Europe Condition: some craquelure throughout, mo...
Oil
Girl leaning on a pedestal
By Joshua Reynolds
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
After Joshua Reynolds Girl leaning on a pedestal Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 26 x 33 in Framed Size - 39 x 32 in Sir Joshua Reynolds was the leading portrait painter of 18th-century...
Oil
$11,996Sale Price|20% Off
Guardian Angel Cano Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Spanish school
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Alonso Cano (Granada, 1601 – Granada, 1667) The Guardian Angel (The Archangel Raphael Showing the Way to Tobias) Oil on canvas 114 x 73 cm. - Framed 127 x 86 cm. The protago...
Oil
$6,732Sale Price|20% Off
Still-Life Flowers Brueghel Paint 17/18th Century Oil ona canvas Old master Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
A follower of Abraham Brueghel (Antwerp, 1631 – Naples, 1697) Still Life with Flowers and Citrus Fruits Oil on canvas 70 x 52 cm. - Framed 85 x 67 cm. The composition depict...
Oil
$11,628Sale Price|20% Off
Archangel Michael Reni Paint 17/18th Century Oil on canvas Old master Religious
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Archangel Michael Guido Reni (Bologna 1575–1642) Follower of 17th–18th century Oil on canvas 134 x 96 cm. - Framed 147 x 108 cm. The work in question, of excellent qual...
Oil
$10,893
Portrait of a Sixty Year Old Woman - Dutch Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This strong Dutch Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to a follower of Anthony Van Dyck. Van Dyck painted the original portrait in 1618 as he noted top right Anno 1618. He...
Oil
$10,828Sale Price|20% Off
Still Life with Oysters - The earliest known still life in Swedish art history
Located in Stockholm, SE
This previously unpublished painting was first securely attributed to Govert Dircksz Camphuysen in 1944, following an examination at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm during which the ...
Oak, Oil, Wood Panel
$1,628Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 1800's French Oil Figures by Monastic Ruins Stream Bucolic Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Monastic Ruins by a Stream French School, early 1800's oil on canvas, framed Framed 15 x 19 inches Canvas : 12.5 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very go...
Oil
Still Life of Game with Spaniels and Falcons in a Landscape by Carstian Luyckx
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Still Life of Game with Spaniels and Falcons in Landscape Setting Carstian Luyckx (Flemish, 1623 – c.1675) Oil on canvas Circa 1670 Unsigned 43 ½ x 59 1/8 in.; Frame 52 7/8 x 68 7/...
Oil, Canvas
Rebel - Oil on Canvas Figurative Painting, 40h x 30w in, Signed, 2026
By Bruno Surdo
Located in Chicago, IL
A contemporary cowboy is rendered with the gravity of a classical male nude. Surdo treats the body with the care of an Old Master while layering in the mythology of American masculin...
Canvas, Oil
$2,391Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 1800's Italian Grand Tour Oil Painting Figures before Classical Buildings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Arcadian View Italian School, circa 1800 Grand Tour subject oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 12 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and sound cond...
Oil
$4,302Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Italian Old Master Oil Painting c. 1700's The Madonna Christ Child St. John
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian Old Master, circa 1700's period oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas: 28.5 x 24 inches conditon: overall very good for its age, a fe...
Canvas, Oil
$2,832Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 18th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Still Life Fruit in Basket
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Still Life of Fruit in Basket with other objects Italian artist, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24.5 x 33 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition:...
Oil
Les Causses du Minervois
Located in North Clarendon, VT
Stunning old master oil on canvas of a French landscape with an aquaduct in the foreground and a medieval village in the distance. Possibly Les Causses du Minervois. Oval canvas,...
Oil
$2,614Sale Price|20% Off
Large Traditional Dutch River Landscape with Old Town & Houses Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Landscape in Holland (titled verso) Dutch School, 20th century signed oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 30 x 42 inches canvas: 24 x 36 inches provenance: private collection, Eng...
Oil, Canvas
$47,739Sale Price|20% Off
Hercules Guercino Paint 17th Century OIl on canvas Old master Emilian school Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Workshop of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, Il Guercino (1591–1666) Attributed to Ercole Gennari (Cento, 1597–Bologna, 1658) Victorious Hercules oil on canvas 136 x 112 cm. In ...
Oil
Figures and horses by a bridge in a river landscape
By John Wootton
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Wootton (1686-1765) Figures and horses by a bridge in a river landscape Oil on canvas 27 x 42 in John Wootton was one of the earliest and most influential British sporting pai...
Oil
$544Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Classical Still Life Oil Painting Ornate Flowers in Vase Gilt Framed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Still Life of Flowers French School, early 20th century oil on board, framed framed: 12 x 8.5 inches board: 11 x 8.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition...
Oil
Fine 17th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Portrait of the Madonna
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of the Madonna in Prayer 17th Century Italian School oil on board, framed framed: 6.75 x 6 inches board: 5 x 4 inches Provenance: private collection, England Condition: ver...
Oil
Saint Bruno of Cologne - Oil on Canvas - 19th Century
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Old religious themed oil painting on canvas representing Saint Bruno of Cologne, founder of the Carthusian Order, recognizable by his white habit and the characteristic gesture of si...
Oil
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Continental Old Master oil after Murillo, fine gilt frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: 18th/ 19th century Continental School, after Murillo Title: Figures eating Grapes Medium: signed oil painting on metal, framed. Size:...
Oil
$2,178Sale Price|20% Off
Very Large Antique French Old Master Oil Painting after Rembrandt, self portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, 19th century, after the earlier work by Rembrandt Title: Self portrait of the artist Medium: oil on canvas, framed in antique gilt swept frame. Fra...
Oil
$8,660Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 18th Century Italian Old Master Oil Painting Figures & Animals Arcadian
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Arcadian Landscape Italian School, 18th century oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 32 x 40 inches condition: excellent condition for its age, fully restored. provenance: from a private collection in Paris, France. Large scale classical 18th century Italian Old Master...
Canvas, Oil
$3,703Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Antique Oil Painting Portrait Fernando Álvarez de Toledo 3rd Duke of Alba
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Spanish School, early 20th century Portrait of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the 3rd Duke of Alba (1507-1582). after the 16th century painting by Anthonis Mors oil on panel, framed f...
Oil
$14,433Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 17th Century Flemish Old Master Oil Painting Figures Playing Cards
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Card Players Flemish Old Master, 17th century based on a version (in reverse) of a painting by Cornelis de Vos (Flemish 1584-1651) oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 39 x 62 inches ...
Oil, Canvas
$72,221Sale Price|20% Off
Neptune Poseidon Guercino Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Italy Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Neptune on the Waves of the Ocean Workshop of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Il Guercino (Cento, 1591 – Bologna, 1666) Attributed to Ercole Gennari (Cento, 1597 – Bologna...
Oil
$653Sale Price|20% Off
18th C Italian Classical Grand Tour Ancient City Old Ruins & Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: The Italian City Artist/ School: English/ Italian School, late 18th century; a Grand Tour work. Medium: pencil drawing. Size: 6.75 x 9.75 inches Provenance: from a priva...
Pencil
17th century follower of Rubens, two military men on horse back in a landscape
Located in Woodbury, CT
17th century English/Dutch School, from the Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens A very interesting and well-painted 17th-century oil on canvas of two men seated on horseback in a landsc...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Gentleman - British Old Master c1750 art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This superb British 18th century Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to Thomas Hudson. Painted circa 1750 it is a three-quarter length standing portrait of a gentleman in ...
Oil
18th century French Old Master Portrait of a woman in oriental costume
Located in Aartselaar, BE
French 18th century old master portrait of a majestic lady dressed "à la Turque" The sitter at the viewer with a kind and enigmatic smile and twinkling eyes. She looks elegant and kind, yet also has an intelligent and determined aura, reflecting the character of someone who is in charge of her own life and destiny. De Silvestre paid great attention to her spectacular outfit, which is striking in its portrayal of the sumptuous fabrics and their decorative richness. She is wearing a luxurious royal blue robe à la...
Canvas, Oil
$974Sale Price|20% Off
Classical Still Life Ornate Flowers in Vase in the Traditional Old Master style
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Ornate Classical Flowers oil painting on canvas, framed signed and dated 1947 framed: 17.5 x 12.5 inches canvas: 16 x 10.5 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,290Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Painting Oval Shape Figures in Tavern Interior
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tavern Interior Dutch School, 17th century oil on metal, framed framed: 8 x 6.75 inches painting: 6 x 4.25 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condit...
Oil
Portrait of a Spanish Noble Lady - 17th Century Old Master art oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This stunning, large portrait oil painting is attributed to Spanish Old Master Claudio Coello who is considered the last great Spanish painter of the 17th century. It has formerly been the property of Lady Beatrice...
Oil Crayon
17th century English Birds on a pond and in flight, Ducks, Swans, Kingfisher
By Francis Barlow
Located in Woodbury, CT
Studio of Francis Barlow, English, late 17th century Birds on a Pond with Waterfowl and Birds in Flight Oil on canvas Un-signed Presented in an antique English carved wood frame A f...
Canvas, Oil
$19,585Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait Duchess Wissing Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master English
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Willem Wissing (Amsterdam, 1656 – Stamford, 1687) attributed Portrait of the Duchess of Marlborough as Minerva Oil on canvas 128 x 103 cm – in a gilt frame 149 x 125 cm. Prov...
Oil
$16,892Sale Price|20% Off
Saint Michael Archangel Reni Paint 17th Centuty Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Saint Michael the Archangel Workshop of Guido Reni (1575–1642) First half of the 17th century Oil on canvas Dimensions: 132 x 90 cm. With frame: 143 x 102 cm. The Saint...
Oil
$21,786
Portrait of Saint Jerome - Italian Old Master c1620 religious art oil painting
By Guido Reni
Located in Hagley, England
This superb Italian religious Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to follower of Guido Reni. Painted circa 1620, it is a head and shoulders portrait of Saint Jerome (about...
Oil