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Old Masters Paintings

OLD MASTERS

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.

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Style: Old Masters
Antique French Old Master Oil Painting Christ Healing the Sick 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...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

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This previously unpublished painting was first securely attributed to Govert Dircksz Camphuysen in 1944, following an examination at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm during which the ...
Category

1650s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oak, Oil, Wood Panel

The Bird Concert – After Jacob Savery
Located in Stockholm, SE
Follower of Jacob Savery (1566-1603) Concert of Birds 18th-century oil on panel no signature unframed: 42 × 44 cm (16.5 × 17.3 in) framed: 53 × 54 ...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Mixed Floral Arrangement in a Vase - Dutch Old Master Golden Age oil painting
Located in London, GB
This stunning 18th century Dutch Old Master Golden Age floral oil painting is attributed to Simon Pietersz Verelst. Painted circa 1700 it is a still life floral of a mixed flower arr...
Category

Early 1700s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Saint Francis Receiving The Stigmata. Oil On Copper, Flemish School, 17 century
Located in Firenze, IT
Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata Oil on copper. Flemish school. 17th century Dimensions: with frame 19 cm x 16 cm, without frame 16 cm x 13 cm The scene of Saint Francis ...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Copper

18th Century French Old Master Oil Painting Ancient Port Harbor Shipping Marine
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Harbor Scene Circle of Claude Joseph Vernet (French, 1714-1789) oil painting on canvas, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 20.5 x 25.5 canvas: 19 x 23.5 inches condition: very good...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Huge 18th Century Classical Italianate Arcadian Landscape Figures & Buildings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures in an Arcadian Landscape Italian School, 18th century follower of Claude Lorrain (French 1600-1682) oil painting on canvas: 28 x 36 inches framed: 39.5 by 47 inches presented...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rare 18th Century English Still Life of Grapes, Peaches and Strawberries
Located in Harkstead, GB
A rare and most attractive still life by William Jones of Bath. The sumptuous textures of the peaches, grapes and strawberries contrasting with the dark background. A really handsome...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Portrait of a Gentleman in a Landscape - British Old Master art oil painting
Located in London, GB
This superb British 18th century Old Master portrait oil painting is by William Williams of Norwich. It was painted circa 1780, after he had returned to England from in Philadelphia ...
Category

1780s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of Cornelis and Michiel Pompe van Meerdervoort with Their Tutor
By Aelbert Cuyp
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Attributed to Aelbert Cuyp (1620-1691) An Equestrian Portrait of Cornelis (1639–1680) and Michiel Pompe van Meerdervoort (1638–1653) with Their Tutor and Coachman Signed 'A. Cuyp. fe...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge Antique Dutch Old Master Oil Painting The Jewish Bridge after Rembrandt
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Jewish Bridge antique Dutch School, after the 1660's oil painting by Rembrandt (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam) oil painting on canvas, framed in its antique gilt frame with ornate mould...
Category

Late 19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Portrait of a woman with red jacket trimmed with fur and braid German School.
Located in Firenze, IT
Portrait of a woman with red jacket trimmed with fur and braid German School, late 18th - early 19th century Oil on canvas, 64 × 48 cm Gilded wooden frame, not original Dressed in a...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

portrait of 2 dogs, Grand Griffon Vendéen Hunting Dogs by Jules Chardigny
Located in York, GB
A fine oil painting on canvas depicting a Portrait of what i believe to be 2 Grand Griffon Vendéen Hunting Dogs. pairs of Grand Griffon Vendéen hunting dogs, as well as single portr...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Man – A Dramatic Study in Light and Expression
Located in Stockholm, SE
This compelling portrait, recently studied by Stéphane Pinta of the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris, has been confidently attributed to the Austrian painter Matthäus (Matthias) Lod...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

18th Century Huge Floral Still Life Oil Painting Depicting Bouquet Ornate Urn
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Bouquet of Flowers French School, early 1700's period, unsigned oil painting on canvas, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 37 x 54.4 inches canvas: 30 x 47 inches Provenance: priva...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

18th-Century Old Master Painting Harbor Scene with Tall Ships & Fortifications
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Fortified Harbour French School, circa 1700's oil on canvas, framed in antique carved gilt wood frame Framed: 21.5 x 28.5 inches Canvas : 15 x 22 inches Provenance: private colle...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fine 17th Century French Old Master Oil on Copper The Madonna & Christ Child
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna and Christ Child French Old Master, 17th century circle of Simon Vouet (French 1590-164 oil on copper, unframed Copper : 9 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection, Lyon, Fr...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Copper

Flemish Early 17th Century Old Master Oil on Panel Painting Hunting Scene 1620
Located in Portland, OR
A highly important Flemish Old Master oil painting by Peter Van Lint (1609-1690), titled "Preparing for the Hunt", the painting is dated & signed by the artist, 1620. The painting wa...
Category

1620s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

A pair of Classical landscapes
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
George Smith of Chichester (Chichester 1714-1776) Landscape with figures resting by a river; River landscape with figures outside a thatched cottag...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge Victorian English Old Master Oil Painting Madonna & Christ Child after Dyck
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna and Christ Child English School, 19th century after the earlier painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck oil on canvas, framed in fine elaborate gilt frame. Framed: 49 x 39.5 in...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Madonna and Child 1800's English Oil on Canvas with Circular Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna and Child English Old Master, c. 1800 oil on canvas, unframed (relined canvas) Canvas: 14.5 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good condition De...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of an Elderly Man
Located in Stockholm, SE
This finely executed oil painting, attributed to the circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich, captures the contemplative expression of an elderly man, his gaze lowered in quiet re...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Antique English Grand Tour Old Master Oil Figures Classical Arcadian Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Landscape oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 37 inches canvas : 19 x 27 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: the frame is exceptionally fragile and vulnerab...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

'Star', A running horse belonging to His Grace the Duke of Bridgewater
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
James Seymour (1702-1752) 'Star', A running horse belonging to His Grace the Duke of Bridgewater Mezzotint by R. Houston Image size 10 x 14 in Framed size 13 x 17 in James Seymour w...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Mezzotint

Very Large 1700's Dutch Old Master Oil Painting The Nativity Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Nativity Dutch Old Master, early 1700's period oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 36 x 27.5 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condition, some scuf...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Huge Classical Old Master Oil Painting Ancient Roman Buildings Merchants Port
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Ancient Trading Port Italian Old Master, 18th century unsigned oil painting on canvas, in antique gilt frame of beautiful quality canvas: 32 x 33 inches framed: 37 x 38 inches co...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large 18th Century British Old Master Oil Painting Figures at Dusk in Woodland
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Close of Day English artist, second half 18th century circle of Thomas Gainsborough (British 1727-1788) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24.5 x 29 inches provenance: private colle...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Large Antique Oil Painting The Mona Lisa after da Vinci's Famous Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Mona Lisa after Leonardo da Vinci French artist, 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: good and sound condi...
Category

20th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

17th Century Dutch Old Master Ink Drawing Christ on the Cross Many Figures 1674
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Christ on the Cross attributed to Jan Luyken (Dutch, 1649–1712) inscribed 1674 upper corner pencil drawing, watercolor and ink wash on paper over oard, framed framed: 12 x 11 inches ...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Color Pencil, Ink, Watercolor

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...
Category

Early 1800s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Antique Circular Oil Painting Flagellation of Christ, 18th Century Old Master
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Flagellation of Christ Italian, 18th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 15 x 14 inches Canvas : 12 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good conditio...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Large 17th century Italian old master - Noli me tangere, Christ in the garden
By Pier Francesco Cittadini
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Large 17th Century Italian Old Master, The Garden - Noli me tangere, Pier Francesco Cittadini (attr.) Description In the stillness of a garden in bloom, Noli me tangere captures a p...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A saddled officer's Arabian horse with a hound and gun, in a landscape
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Johann Georg de Hamilton (1672-1737) A saddled officer's Arabian horse with a hound and gun, in a landscape Oil on canvas Canvas size - 21 x 23 in Framed size - 27 x 29 in Provenanc...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Figures in Winter Dutch Snow Landscape Large 19th Century Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Winter Landscape Dutch School, 19th century oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 22 x 28 inches canvas: 16.5 x 23 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very goo...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

An Arabian stallion in a wooded landscape
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Jacques-Laurent Agasse (1767-1849) An Arabian stallion in a wooded landscape Oil on canvas Canvas Size 12 x 14 in Framed Size 21 x 22 in Provenance Believed to have passed by descen...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fine 1700's Italian Old Master Ink & Wash Drawing Roman Allegorical Providenza
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
'Providenza' 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 inche...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Fine 18th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Painting Cattle & Sheep Ancient Ruins
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastoral Landscape Dutch Old Master, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 12 x 10 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: good a...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier
By David Morier
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
David Morier (c.1705–1770 London) An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier (1680–1770) Oil on canvas Canvas size - 40 x 50 in Framed size - 48 ...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Colliers lying in the Thames at Deptford and unloading their cargoes for London
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Peter Monamy (London 1681-1749) Colliers lying in the Thames at Deptford and unloading their cargoes for the London market signed 'P: Monamy: Pinx' lower left Oil on canvas Canvas Si...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

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...
Category

1740s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Holy Family with the Young St John The Baptist and St Elizabeth
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Scipione Pulzone, called Il Gaetano (Gaeta 1544 - Rome 1598) Holy Family with the Young St John The Baptist and St Elizabeth Oil on canvas A Royal Coat of Arms lower left Canvas size...
Category

16th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Huge 18th Century Flemish Classical Oil Painting Travellers River Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Travellers in Landscape Flemish Old Master, 18th century oil on on canvas, unframed canvas : 29 x 39 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good condition For...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fine Italian Old Master Oil Painting Angel & Saints Appearing to Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Italian Old Master, 18th century Title: Angel and Saints appearing to figures, one dressed in a white ruff collar. Medium: oil on canvas...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

19th century Portrait of An army Officer Circle of Thomas Phillips
By Thomas Phillips
Located in York, GB
A fine 19th century Portrait painting of An army Officer in the circle of Thomas Phillips . Oil on canvas, housed in a gilt frame The size being 73.5 x 60cm (28¾ x 23½ in.) whilst...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Castle Ruins Landscape - British 18th century Old Master art oil painting
Located in London, GB
This superb large British Old Master oil painting is attributed to John Inigo Richards. Painted circa 1770 the composition is a view from before the water's edge across a lake to cas...
Category

1770s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

18th century Dutch, with figures goats and sheep outside in a barn yard or farm
Located in Woodbury, CT
Unknown Artist (Dutch School, late 18th century) Pastoral Scene with Goatherds, ca. 1780–1800 Oil on canvas In this lively pastoral composition, a group of figures reclines in rusti...
Category

1790s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

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...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

17th Century by Pietro della Vecchia Bacchus and Ceres Oil on canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pietro della Vecchia (Vicenza, Italy, 1603 – Venice, Italy, 1678) Title: Bacchus and Ceres Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 109 x 130 cm – with frame 128 x 152 x 8 cm...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fine Antique Classical Nude Draped in Robes Dancing with Dog Gold Background
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Italian School, 19th century Title: Classical nude draped in robes with dancing dog. The work looks as though it might have been a ceiling...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Fine 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil on Panel Angelic Visitation to Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Angelic Visitation Dutch School, mid 17th century circle of Rembrandt (Dutch 1606-1669) oil on wooden panel, framed in faux tortoiseshell style frame. framed: 25 x 28.75 painting...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

18th Century Circle of Jean-Étienne Liotard Portrait of a lady Oil on canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Circle of Jean-Étienne Liotard (Geneva, Switzerland, 1702 – 1789) Portrait of a lady Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 73 x 58 cm – with frame 87.8 x 73.7 x 4.5 cm Not ...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Figures Chatting outside Village Tavern in Mountain Landscape, Period Oil
By 19th century Dutch or Flemish school
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Dutch/ Flemish School, early 1800's oil on canvas, framed framed: 19 x 24 inches canvas: 13.5 x 18.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: good and sound condition...
Category

Early 19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Very Large Antique French Classical Romantic Oil Painting Ancient Ruin Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, 19th century Title: Classical Landscape with figures amongst ancient ruins. Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed. canvas: 24.5 x 36 inches P...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

17th Century French Old Master Oil Painting Classical Robed Semi Nude Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
17th century French School circle of Nicolas Poussin (French 1594-1665) "Figures in Arcadia" oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 16 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, England condition: very good and sound condition Nicolas Poussin was a renowned French painter of the 17th century. He is considered one of the greatest figures of classical French Baroque art...
Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Shipping in Stormy Waters, Attributed to Italian Artist Francesco Guardi
By Francesco Guardi
Located in Stockholm, SE
The splendour of the tragic sea Francesco Guardi and maritime painting in Venetian art No Venetian painter was a stranger to the sea. After all, Venice was not only one of the most prominent ports of the Mediterranean, but indeed a city literally submerged in the ocean from time to time. Curiously however, the famous Venetian school of painting showed little interest in maritime motifs, favouring scenes from the iconic architecture of the city rather than seascapes. That is why this painting is a particularly interesting window into not only the painter Francesco Guardi himself – but to the significance of the element of water in art history, in absence as well as in the centre of attention. Whether it be calm, sunny days with stunning views of the palaces alongside the canals of Venice or – more rarely – stormy shipwrecking tragedies at sea, water as a unifying element is integral to the works of painter Francesco Guardi (1712–1793). During his lifetime, Venetian art saw many of its greatest triumphs with names like Tiepolo or Canaletto gaining international recognition and firmly establishing Venice as one of the most vibrant artistic communities of Europe. While the city itself already in the 18th century was something of an early tourist spot where aristocrats and high society visited on their grand tour or travels, the artists too contributed to the fame and their work spread the image of Venice as the city of romance and leisure to an international audience, many of whom could never visit in person. Still today, the iconic image of Venice with its whimsical array of palaces, churches and other historic buildings is much influenced by these artists, many of whom have stood the test of time like very well and remain some of the most beloved in all of art history. It was not primarily subtility, intellectual meanings or moral ideals that the Venetian art tried to capture; instead it was the sheer vibrancy of life and the fast-paced city with crumbling palaces and festive people that made this atmosphere so special. Of course, Venice could count painters in most genres among its residents, from portraiture to religious motifs, history painting and much else. Still, it is the Vedutas and views of the city that seems to have etched itself into our memory more than anything else, not least in the tradition of Canaletto who was perhaps the undisputed master of all Venetian painters. Born into his profession, Francesco lived and breathed painting all his life. His father, the painter Domenico Guardi (1678–1716) died when Francesco was just a small child, yet both he and his brothers Niccolò and Gian Antonio continued in their fathers’ footsteps. The Guardi family belonged to the nobility and originated from the mountainous area of Trentino, not far from the Alps. The brothers worked together on more challenging commissions and supported each other in the manner typical of family workshops or networks of artists. Their sister Maria Cecilia married no other than the artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo himself, linking the family to the most renowned Venetian name of the time. During almost a decade, Guardi worked in the studio of Michele Giovanni Marieschi, sometimes simply known as Michiel, a painted similar in both style and motif. Canaletto is, however, the artist Guardi is most often compared to since they shared a mutual fascination for depicting the architecture and cityscape of Venice. During the course of his career, Guardi tried his hand in many different genres. He was as swift in painting landscapes, Vedutas of Venice, sacred motifs, interiors and architectural compositions as he was in a number of other motifs. His style is typical of the Venetian school but also distinct and personal once we look a little closer. There is an absolute certainty in the composition, the choice of which sometimes feels like that of a carefully calculated photograph – yet it is also very painterly, in the best sense of the word: fluid, bold, sensitive and full of character. The brushwork is rapid, intense, seemingly careless and extraordinarily minute at the same time; fresh and planned in a very enjoyable mixture. His interiors often capture the breath-taking spacious glamour of the palaces and all their exquisite decor. He usually constructed the motif through remarkably simple, almost spontaneous yet intuitively precise strokes and shapes. The result was a festive, high-spirited atmospheric quality, far away from the sterile and exact likeness that other painters fell victim to when trying to copy Canaletto. The painting here has nothing of the city of Venice in it. On the contrary, we seem to be transported far away into the solitary ocean, with no architecture, nothing to hold on to – only the roaring sea and the dangerous cliffs upon which the ships are just moments away from being crushed upon. It is a maritime composition evoking both Flemish and Italian precursors, in the proud tradition of maritime painting that for centuries formed a crucial part of our visual culture. This genre of painting is today curiously overlooked, compared to how esteemed and meaningful it was when our relationship to the sea was far more natural than it is today. When both people and goods travelled by water, and many nations and cities – Venice among them – depended entirely on sea fare, the existential connection to the ocean was much more natural and integrated into the imagination. The schools and traditions of maritime art are as manifold as there are countries connected to the sea, and all reflect the need to process the dangers and wonders of the ocean. It could symbolize opportunity, the exciting prospects of a new countries and adventures, prospering trade, beautiful scenery as well as war and tragedy, loss of life, danger and doom. To say that water is ambivalent in nature is an understatement, and these many layers were something that artists explored in the most wondrous ways. Perhaps it takes a bit more time for the modern eye to identify the different nuances and qualities of historic maritime paintings, they may on first impression seem hard to differentiate from each other. But when allowing these motifs to unfold and tell stories of the sea in both fiction and reality – or somewhere in between – we are awarded with an understanding of how the oceans truly built our world. In Guardi’s interpretation, we see an almost theatrically arranged shipwrecking scene. No less than five ships are depicted right in the moment of utter disaster. Caught in a violent storm, the waves have driven them to a shore of sharp cliffs and if not swallowed by the waves, crushing against the cliffs seems to be the only outcome. The large wooden ships are impressively decorated with elaborate sculpture, and in fact relics already during Guardi’s lifetime. They are in fact typical of Dutch and Flemish 17th century ships, giving us a clue to where he got the inspiration from. Guardi must have seen examples of Flemish maritime art, that made him curious about these particular motifs. One is reminded of Flemish painters like Willem van de Velde and Ludolf Backhuysen, and this very painting has indeed been mistakenly attributed to Matthieu van Plattenberg...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

After Hendrick MOMMERS (1623-1693) Haarlem Vegetable Market c1750
Located in Holywell, GB
After Hendrick MOMMERS (1623-1693) Haarlem Vegetable Market c1750 An early copy c1750, of an entertaining Dutch vegetable market scene in an Italianate landscape. The original was p...
Category

1750s Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Escuela Valenciana (XVIII), tras Juan de Juanes - Inmaculada Concepción
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra no va firmada El estado de conservación de puede ver, es bastante bueno, solo aconsejaría una limpieza ya que está un poco sucia, pero por lo demas, muy aceptable Se presen...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

Shipping in Calm Waters, 18th Century Dutch Oil on Wood Panel, Man o War
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Shipping in Calm Waters Dutch School, 18th century oil painting on wood panel panel: 10 x 12.75 inches framed: 14 x 17 inches condition: very good, minor evidenc...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Old Masters paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Old Masters paintings 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 paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of orange, blue, yellow and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Antonio Savisio, Pietro Colonna, Goyo Dominguez, and Nicolaes Maes. 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 Old Masters paintings, so small editions measuring 4.5 inches across are also available. Prices for paintings 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 $338 and tops out at $1,495,000, while the average work sells for $7,505.

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