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.
Academic Nude: Male Portrait, Late 19th-Century Oil Painting
Located in Pistoia, IT
Academic study of a male half-length portrait, oil on cardboard mounted on wood, France, late 19th–early 20th century. Beautiful painting style. Old restorations and signs of wear ...
Oil, Paperboard
“Clipper Ship under Full Sail”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a clipper ship under full sail. Signed “T. Bailey” lower right. Condition is good. Original gold frame with wear consistent with age. Overall frame...
Canvas, Oil
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Venice, Impressionism Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Subject: Venice, Size: 8.5" x 12" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
$512Sale Price|20% Off
Fishing Boat, Seascape Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Fishing Boat, Size: 8.5" x 12" x 0....
Canvas, Oil
$546Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse Being Fitted with a Bridle Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil and Watercolor on Paper Size: 18.75 (Heig...
Pencil, Watercolor
South Bay, Seascape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: South Bay Size: 29" x 39.5" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,500Sale Price|50% Off
PASSION #3 - nude male painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Passion #3" . Composition with Two Male Nudes, oil on canvas, 35.5x19.5in / 90x50cm Part of "Wings of Gods" solo show, April 2024. see pictures from the show. Shipped as it is, stre...
Canvas, Oil
Performance, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2018 Style: Surrealism, Title: Performance Size: 23.5" x 23.5" x 1'' inch,...
Canvas, Oil
“Still Life with Fruit”
By Oliver Clare
Located in Southampton, NY
Very well Victorian still life of fruit by the renowned botanical artist, Oliver Clare. Signed by the artist lower right. Circa 1880. Condition is very good. The painting is housed i...
Canvas, Oil
$544Sale Price|61% Off
Lively alley by Pierre Duc - Watercolor
By Pierre Duc
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on arch paper Black wooden frame with glass pane 87 x 67,5 x 1,5 cm
Watercolor, Pastel
$2,100Sale Price|34% Off
“Sunset on the River”
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautifully painted sunset on the river with a single figure in a punt and cattle crossing by the American artist, George Riecke. Most likely a New Orlea...
Canvas, Oil
Hunting Scene by Sir Alfred J. Munnings
Located in New Orleans, LA
Sir Alfred James Munnings 1878-1959 British Hunting Scene Signed “A J Munnings” (lower right) Oil on board The exciting atmosphere of the hunt is masterfully captured in this ex...
Oil, Board
After Storm, Impressionism Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: After Storm Size: 29" x 39" x 0.8''...
Canvas, Oil
San Luís de Francia - Óleo sobre tela - Siglo XIX-XX
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Firmado en la parte inferior con iniciales (pero desconozco el artista) Se presenta enmarcada la obra Medidas obra: 139 cm. de altura x 104 cm. de ancho Medidas obra: 154 cm. de a...
Oil
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Seashore, Coastal, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Seashore Size: 11" x 14" x 0.8'' in...
Canvas, Oil
“Still Life with Fruit and Melon”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a still life composed of an open melon, grapes, peaches, plums and berries. Signed illegibly lower right. German school. Circa 1880. Beautiful gol...
Canvas, Oil
Large Antique French 19th Century Oil Canvas Painting "Hearts Awakening" Cherubs
Located in Portland, OR
A fine late 19th century oil on canvas painting, circa of William-Adolphe Bouguereau (French, 1825-1905). Oil on canvas painting depicting a woman with two cherubs in a garden. After...
Oil, Canvas
“Pennsylvania Beauty”
Located in Southampton, NY
Here for your consideration is an outstanding example of the landscape mastery of American artist, Edmund Darch Lewis. Fabulous light and clarity of the bucolic scene. Signed lower right and dated 1870. Recently cleaned. Several old patches verso with corresponding in paint. Condition is very good The painting is framed in its original gold leaf period frame which is in fine condition. Overall measurements are 35 by 46.5 inches. Edmund Darch Lewis was born in Philadelphia, the son of a prominent businessman. According to family tradition he was educated at a private school...
Canvas, Oil
Fun Day, Coastal, Beach, Figurative, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ara H. Hakobyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2017 Style: Impressionism Title: Fun Day Size: 16" x 20" x 0.8'' inch...
Canvas, Oil
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
“Portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox”
Located in Southampton, NY
Very well executed portrait of Jacob Dolson Cox. See the sitter’s biography below. Signed top right and dated 1881. Relined canvas, very good condition. The portrait is housed in a contemporary replica of a period frame. Overall framed measurements are 33.25 by 28.25 inches. Provenance: A East Hampton, Long Island collector. Biography George Peter Alexander Healy was born in Boston on July 15, 1813, the first of five children of William Healy, an Irish immigrant and captain of a merchant vessel, and his wife Mary Hicks. Healy showed an early artistic interest: by 1830 the self-taught painter had opened a portrait studio from which he hoped to help to support his family. Although commissions were at first sparse, young Healy received important encouragement from Thomas Sully (1783-1872)) who advised him to make painting his profession. His fortunes also improved in 1831 when Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, a leader in Boston society, granted him permission to paint her portrait and recommended his talents to other potential patrons. In 1834 Healy went to France where he studied with Baron Antoine-Jean Gros (1771-1835). A year later he traveled through Italy, visiting museums and churches in the company of Lady and Sir Arthur Faulkner who soon provided his introduction to London society. It was in England that Healy met and, in 1839, married Louisa Phipps. The couple settled in Paris where Healy embarked upon the beginning of a long and happy marriage and thriving career. His diplomatic and affable demeanor, together with his obvious skill, brought him tremendous success throughout Europe and the United States. Prolific, as well as talented, he had by 1867 produced more than six hundred portraits. The constant stream of commissions included dignified, imposing portraits of such celebrated figures as Pope Pius IX and Queen Elizabeth of Romania, the latter of whom developed a warm friendship with Healy and his family. Although Healy, sometimes accompanied by his wife, traveled to the United States several times during the 1840s and early 1850s, it was not until 1856 that the entire family settled in America. They took up residence in the booming city of Chicago, which Healy used as a base for his work in Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and other cities. During the Civil War years he often traveled to Washington to paint military figures and members of the President's cabinet. The family returned to Europe in 1867, but George Healy...
Canvas, Oil
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
“Tipos”
Located in Southampton, NY
Oil paint on heavy illustration board by the Spanish artist, Cecilio Pla. Signed lower right. Titled and signed verso. “Tipos” means types; different type...
Oil, Illustration Board
“The French Cavalier”
By Alex De Andreis
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas portrait of a French cavalier by the well known French/Belgian artist, Alex de Andreis. Signed lower right and dated 1924. Condition is very good. Original N...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Woman in Traditional Dress and Lace Bonnet
Located in Genève, GE
A finely executed 19th-century portrait depicting a woman dressed in traditional regional attire. Presented against a dark background that emphasizes her calm expression and dignifie...
Canvas, Oil
Venice, Coastal, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Venice Size: 12" x 16.5" x 0.8'' inc...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait Of Jean Gerard Vonderbank & Family, Early 19th-Century Oil Painting
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This finely observed early 19th-century oil painting, attributed to German artist Carl Adolf Mende (1807-1857), depicts Jean Gerard Vonderbank, a German surveyor, instrument designer...
Canvas, Oil
$523Sale Price|25% Off
Elisabeth Voigt – Signed German Landscape Oil Painting, circa 1950s
Located in Zofingen, AG
Elisabeth Voigt (German, 20th Century, d. 1977) Oil on board (likely hardboard / Masonite); Dimensions: • Image: 22 × 16 cm • Framed: 35x29x5 cm Signed lower left. A charming and...
Oil, Panel
Ocean Breeze Large Seascape Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Large Size oil Painting Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2019 Style: Classic Art, Impressionism, Subj...
Canvas, Oil
Landscape, Original Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ara H. Hakobyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: Landscape Size: 16" x 20" x 0.8'' inch, (41x51x2cm), Unframed, Stretched on wooden bar, Ready to Hang, Artist Bio Ara H. Hakobyan is an Armenian artist and art critic, Doctor of Sciences (arts, 2017), professor (2018) and a member of Artist Union of the Republic of Armenia (1999). Ara H. Hakobyan was born in 1973 in Yerevan in the family of art historian Hravard Hakobyan. In 1997 Mr. Hakobyan graduated from the Yerevan State Academy of Arts, Department of Painting. During 1997-2000 Ara Hakobyan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Parade in Geneva, 19th Century European Historical Oil Painting
Located in Genève, GE
Signed "A Dovianne" in the lower left corner. A vibrant and highly detailed historical scene depicting a ceremonial procession of mounted figures crossing a grand city square in Geneva, richly adorned with festive banners and flags. The composition is animated by a rhythmic procession of elegantly dressed horsemen, accompanied by soldiers and attendants, creating a dynamic sense of movement and civic pageantry. At the center of the scene, a monumental statue anchors the composition, reinforcing the public and historical significance of the event. The surrounding architecture, carefully rendered, is decorated with numerous flags suggesting a moment of national celebration or official ceremony within the city. The artist demonstrates strong academic training in the rendering of figures, horses, and perspective. The palette is lively yet balanced, combining warm earth tones with vibrant reds, blues, and gold accents, while the softly illuminated sky provides atmospheric contrast. This work belongs to the tradition of 19th century European historical painting, with particular appeal for collectors interested in Swiss subjects, civic celebrations, and narrative compositions. défilé à genève painting, geneva parade painting, swiss historical painting, military parade oil painting, horsemen procession art, 19th century history painting, geneva city scene oil, swiss flags painting, ceremonial parade artwork, cavalry painting...
Canvas, Oil
$11,250Sale Price|25% Off
'Peau d’Âne' Large 19th-Century French Allegorical Pastoral Painting
Located in New York, NY
Pastoral Scene with Young Woman and Turkeys Oil on canvas 118.5 × 153.5 cm The frame is extremelly heavy, better to sell without it. Signed low-right This large-scale and finely ex...
Oil, Canvas
"Portrait of Rebecca" Harriet Peale, Early American Female Portrait
By Harriet Cany Peale
Located in New York, NY
Harriet Peale Portrait of Rebecca, 1840 Inscribed verso, “Portrait of Rebecca Greenwood (?)/ Aged 25 years/ Painted by Harriet C. Cany/ May 1840” Oil on canvas 28 3/4 x 23 3/4 inches...
Canvas, Oil
Seashore, Coastal Original oil Painting, Large Size Ready to hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Coastal Original oil Painting, Large Size Ready to hang Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2019 Style: C...
Canvas, Oil
Henri CAUCHOIS - Paintings 19th century - Flowers in Pair
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
CAUCHOIS Eugène Henri (1850-1911) Still Life of Flowers in pair 2 Oils on canvas signed low New golden frames Dim canvas (each) : 46 X 38 cm Dim frame : (each) : 55 X 47 cm CAUCHOIS...
Oil
$1,800
Landscape in Provence Watercolor Painting by Francois Pascal, circa 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
Step into the serene charm of southern France with this captivating watercolor landscape artwork by François Pascal (France, 19th century–1948). Expertly painted on paper, this work ...
Watercolor
Wounded Achilles En Grisaille Oil on Canvas Painting by Philip Melville Courtney
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Classical Male Nude Painting, After the Antique — Inspired by Wounded Achilles Oil on Canvas, Contemporary This exceptional en grisaille oil on canvas figurative painting is inspired...
Oil
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
“Summer”
Located in Southampton, NY
Here for your consideration is a wonderful large panoramic original oil painting by the well known American artist, Charles Wilson Knapp. Signed lower right. Circa 1880. Condition...
Canvas, Oil
$960Sale Price|20% Off
After Storm, Seascape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: After Storm Size: 11" x 16" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
$328Sale Price|20% Off
"Notions Possibilités" Study of Horse Gaits and Motion by Robert Ladou
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Abstract Study or a Rearing Horse and Figure Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pen on paper Size: 6.25 (Height) x 4.5 (Width) Signed: No Condit...
Pen
Sunrise, Impressionism Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: Sunrise Size: 9" x 13.5" x 0.8'' in...
Canvas, Oil
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
“Mother and Child in the Garden”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a young woman with child in a garden in the moon light. The artist is the well known American painter, Edward Percy Moran. Signed by the artist low...
Canvas, Oil
Venice, Architecture, Cityscape, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Venice Size: 16" x 21.5" x 0.8'' inc...
Canvas, Oil
$546Sale Price|20% Off
Original French Anatomical Pencil Study Exploring Horse's Expressions
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study Exploring Horse's Expressions Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on Paper Size: 19.75 (Height) x 13.75 (Width) Sig...
Pencil
“Shipping in Southampton Water”
By Ebenezer Colls
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on canvas painting of a large sailing vessel traveling through Southampton waters in England in a dramatic sunset. The artist is the well known British marine artist Ebe...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000
Moonlight, Seascape, Original oil Painting, Handmade, Canvas Art, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Moonlight Size: 17.5" x 23.5" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
$420Sale Price|20% Off
“Classic Sailboats”
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautiful, original watercolor on archival paper of two classic American sailboats by the well known marine artist, Ron Saporito Signed by the artist lower right. Condition is excel...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Family scene, children dog and pup, French painting by Delacroix' prodigy friend
Located in Norwich, GB
A sweet and intimate family scene by the rarest of artists: French early 19th Century child prodigy Henri-Louis-Hippolyte Poterlet (1804-1835). Poterlet was a close friend and confi...
Canvas, Oil
Mythological scene, study for the Prize of Rome 1864, French academism, Homer
Located in Norwich, GB
This rare mythological scene depicting the Greek author Homer on the island of Scyros. You will notice the Trojan War being fought in the background. Our painting, dating from 1864, is unsigned, but has a solid attribution to academic artist Henri-Léopold Lévy...
Canvas, Oil
Print Albert Anker "Der Quacksalber", Laque on Panel, Mid-Century, Framed
Located in Zofingen, AG
Print Albert Anker "Der Quacksalber", Laque on Panel, Mid-Century, Framed Title Print on Panel Albert Anker "Der Quacksalber", Mid-Century, Framed, Switzerland Medium Print on pane...
Oil, Panel
Beach, Coastal, Impressionism, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ara H. Hakobyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Impressionism Title: Beach Size: 24" x 30" x 0.8'' inch, ...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Young Boy with Cap and Red Scarf, European Oil Painting
Located in Genève, GE
Dimension with frame: 42,5 x 34,5 x 4 cm. A sensitive and finely observed portrait of a young boy shown in profile, wearing a dark cap and a vivid red scarf. The composition is inti...
Oil, Cardboard
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
The Painter's Studio original painting by Paula Craioveanu oil on canvas Framed
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"The Painter's Studio", oil on canvas, 39x27.5in / 100x70cm The artist's studio and art objects part of artist' life and work. A sculpture, an antique head and a painting that remin...
Canvas, Oil
$2,692Sale Price|20% Off
Departure of the infantrymen for the war of 14, signed
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas signed lower right Dimension with frame 70 x 80 x 6 cm This striking work captures a group of French soldiers marching determinedly along a dusty road, with the distan...
Oil
Ocean Side, Impressionism Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2024 Style: Impressionism Title: Ocean Side Size: 29.5" x 39" x 0.8'...
Canvas, Oil
$1,599Sale Price|20% Off
Return from Hunting Oil Painting, Framed, 19th Century, 75x63 cm
Located in Genève, GE
Fine antique oil on canvas depicting a traditional hunting still life composed of a suspended hare, pheasant, and game birds arranged in a rustic interior setting. Executed in the spirit of late 18th to early 19th century European still life painting...
Oil, Canvas
$3,627Sale Price|20% Off
Lively Conversation at a Balustrade, 19th Century Oil on Canvas
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Dimensions with frame : 83 x 101.5 x 3.5 cm This 19th-century painting depicts a genre scene, typical of the academic and romantic art of the period. It shows three fi...
Oil
$512Sale Price|20% Off
Venice, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Subject: Venice, Size: 8.5" x 12" x 0.8'' ...
Canvas, Oil
"Barcelone", City Square with Church and Dome, 19th century Oil Painting
Located in Genève, GE
Dimensions with frame: 30 x 40,3 x 4 cm. Signed "Aug Siegen" in the lower left corner. A richly atmospheric view of a Barcelona city square centered on an elegant church façade and ...
Canvas, Oil
Flower Painting French Academic Realist Still life DUDAN mid 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
Gabriel-Dominique DUDAN (Active from the 1830s to the 1850s) Bouquet of Roses, Foxgloves, Poppies, Violets, and Daisies Oil on canvas 61 x 50 cm (77 x 66 cm with frame) Signed and da...
Oil
“Knight of the Field”
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is “Knight of the Field” aka “A Man in Armour,” a painting by Edgar Allan Ward (1862–1947). The portrait is of an unknown gentleman in full plate armor, complete with a swor...
Canvas, Oil
$576Sale Price|20% Off
Morning Breeze, coastal, Impressionism, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Impressionism Title: Morning Breeze, Size: 9" x 13.5" x ...
Canvas, Oil