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Academic Art

ACADEMIC STYLE

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. 

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Style: Academic
Waves, Seascape, 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: 2017 Style: Impressionism Title: Waves Size: 20" x 27.5" x 0.8'' inch...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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'' ...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Paris, Cityscape, 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: 2015 Style: Impressionism Title: Paris Size: 11" x 14" x 0.8'' inch, ...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fall Landscape, 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: 2018 Style: Impressionism Subject: Fall Landscape Size: 24" x 30" x 0...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Young People on the Rocks, Figurative, 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: 2016 Style: Impressionism Subject: Young People on the Rocks Size...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Under the Blossomed Tree, 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 Subject: Under the Blossomed Tree, Size: 1...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A. Costa Woman original Figurative academician drawing painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Woman. original figurative academician drawing painting Barcelona, 1904 - Barcelona, 1965 It was formed in Buenos Aires, in the Circle of San Lucas of Barcelona and the FAD. He was f...
Category

1960s Academic Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Original French Anatomical Study of Horse s Pelvic Girdle
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Study of Horse's Pelvic Girdle Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on Paper Size: 19.75 (Height) x 12.75 (Width) Signed: No Cond...
Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Pencil

Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse s Eye s and Nose
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Original French Anatomical Pencil Study of a Horse's Eye's and Nose Artist: Robert Ladou (French, 1929-2014) Medium: Pencil on Paper Size: 20 (Height) x 13.75 (Width) Signed: ...
Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Pencil

Seashore, Coastal, Original oil Painting on linen, Framed
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2021 Style: Impressionism Subject: Seashore, Size: 28.5" x 39.5" x 0...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Arletty, Leonie Bathiat by Mario Napoli - Bronze 50x60x28 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Bronze sculpture by Mario Napoli, Swiss artist from XXth century. His works was sold 12 times in auctions since 2022. Work signed in the bronze. Edition ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Italian Mid 19th century White Carrara Marble bust. Portrait of young male.
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian Portrait White Marble Bust in a Heroic Attitude. Carrara statuary Marble. Tuscan school. Circa 1850.  Bust depicting a young man with bare shoulders. This model draws inspira...
Category

Mid-19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Marble

“Venice”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil painting on wooden panel of a bustling Venice square by the American artist, Albert Munghard. Signed by the artist lower right. Circa 1975. Condition is excellent. Th...
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Naked woman facing a little devil - Pencil drawing - circa 1914
Located in Paris, IDF
Georges CONRAD (1874-1936) Naked woman facing a little devil Original pencil drawing Signed with the stamp of atelier On paper 26.5 x 20 cm (c. 10,4 x 7.8 in) Good condition, paper...
Category

1910s Academic Art

Materials

Pencil

Antoni Costa Woman. original figurative Academician drawing painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
woman. original figurative academician drawing painting Barcelona, 1904 - Barcelona, 1965 It was formed in Buenos Aires, in the Circle of San Lucas of Barcelona and the FAD. He was ...
Category

1960s Academic Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil

Portrait of a man by Hans Berger - Drawing 44x50 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper Ed: 1 /100
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Crayon, Engraving

Portrait of John Torcapel by Alexandre Blanchet - Pastel on paper 27x35 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Pastel

Tug Seascape Original oil Painting on Linen, Framed
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Seascape Original oil Painting on Linen, Framed Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2021 Style: Impressio...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Shell of the Gods: Italian Carrara Marble, Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist. Description This sculpture by Bela Bacsi was inspired by a Hellenistic marble based on...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Marble

“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...
Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“Return from the Field”
Located in Southampton, NY
Oil on canvas backed onto wooden board of a worker with a scythe returning home from a day of labor. In a picturesque Swiss village. The painting is attributed to the hand of Karl Adolph Weber, the Swiss artist. Signed “K. Weber” lower right. Circa 1935. The painting is a contemporary wood frame in a mahogany finish. Overall framed measurements are 19 by 15.25 inches. Provenance: A Sarasota, Florida collector. Karl Adolph Weber was a Swiss artist born in 1899 and died in 1978 known for his rural landscapes and figurative paintings of Switzerland...
Category

1930s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

Horse sketch by Otto Vautier - Drawing on paper 31x37 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on cardboard Otto Vautier is a renowned Swiss painter, born in 1863 in Düsseldorf. He was influenced by a family of artists and developed his style ...
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Chalk, Color Pencil

“Hugo Meynell”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original hand-colored lithograph of Hugo Meynell by the Scottish/American artist Gordon Ross. Done in 1927. Signed in pencil by the artist lower left. Condition is excellent. Beau...
Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Lithograph

Anatomy Drawing of a Horse - Original French Artwork Equestrian Anatomy Study
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Anatomy of a Horse by Robert Ladou (French 1929-2014) original drawing stuck on card in blue folder/ thick paper, unframed drawing: 12 x 19 inch...
Category

20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Pencil, Color Pencil

Samantha Haring "Sic Transit" Oil on paper on panel
Located in New York, NY
Samantha Haring "Sic Transit," 2023 Oil on paper on panel 16 x16 in. (hari020)
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Oil, Panel

Pathos
Located in New York, NY
A sensuous and fabulous piece to enjoy in the round as every vantage point is attractive or on a shelf or table. In the 19th century, the Italians and French were in a golden era f...
Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Young boy with carafe by Heinrich Rettig - Watercolor on paper 60x76 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Watercolor on paper sold with frame Total size with frame 73x89 cm Heinrich RETTIG is an artist born in Germany in 1859 and died in 1921. His works have been sold at public auction ...
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor

Young woman lying on the sofa
Located in Genève, GE
Stamp of the workshop lower right Work on paper Golden wood frame with glass pane 35.5 x 41 x 3.5 cm
Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Crayon

Omnibus in Paris - Handsigned Original Watercolor Painting
Located in Paris, IDF
Francis GARAT Omnibus in Paris Original watercolor painting Handsigned in ink On vellum, 30 x 40 cm (c. 11,8 x 15,7 inch) Excellent condition
Category

Early 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor

Sunset, Seascape, Original oil Painting on Linen, Framed
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Karen Darbinyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2021 Style: Impressionism Subject: Sunset, Size: 17.5" x 23.5" x 0.8...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Notre-Dame de Paris - Original Handsigned Etching
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Michel Mathieux-Marie Notre-Dame de Paris Original drypoint etching Handsigned in pencil On BFK Rives vellum, 28,5 x 38 cm (c. 11,2 x 14,9 inch) Numbered /100 copies Excellent...
Category

1990s Academic Art

Materials

Etching

Plate 15: Vienna, Palais Erzherzog Friedrich, Dinning Room
Located in New York, NY
This photogravure is the sixth plate presented in Josef Folnesics publication "Alte Innenräume österreichischer Schlösser, Paläste und Wohnhäuser" (Old interiors of Austrian Castles,...
Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Photogravure

Portrait pour Torca by Alexandre Blanchet - Charcoal on paper 44x58 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Charcoal on paper without frame
Category

1950s Academic Art

Materials

Charcoal

Woman smoking pencil drawing
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Frame size 74x61 cm.
Category

1950s Academic Art

Materials

Pencil

"Daffodils in Ceramic Pitcher"
Located in Southampton, NY
Here for your consideration is a beautiful watercolor still life on heavy paper by the German artist, E. Riehle. Signed and dated lower right, 1903. In good condition with it's orig...
Category

Early 1900s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

GOUY large pastel woman model nude french painter Salon Paris 19th
Located in PARIS, FR
Jeanne GOUY (Active between 1890 and 1904) Pastel on paper Signed lower right "Jeanne Gouy" 66 x 82 cm (83 x 100 cm with the frame) Jeanne Gouy studied with the academic painter Jules Machard...
Category

1890s Academic Art

Materials

Pastel

Original Leipziger Messe International Leipzig Trade Fair vintage poster
Located in Spokane, WA
Original German vintage poster: International Leipzig Trade Fair Leipziger Messe in NYC. Beginning Feb. 28th, 1937. Held in New York City. Th...
Category

1930s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Mystery Signed Pen and Ink Floral
Located in San Francisco, CA
Up for sale another mystery piece. This wonderfully executed pen and ink is signed lower right but I cannot decipher it. Obviously drawn by a very well trained artist. This floral pi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Ink

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil

“French Country View”
Located in Southampton, NY
Very well executed oil on canvas painting of a French countryside view by J.S. Dorange. Signed lower right. Condition is very good. Circa 1920. The style is academic with more of an...
Category

1920s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Samantha Haring, "Cushioned" Oil on paper on panel
Located in New York, NY
Samantha Haring Cushioned, 2024 Oil on paper on panel 14 x 14 in. (hari025)
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Oil, Panel

Samantha Haring, "Enough" Oil on paper on panel
Located in New York, NY
Samantha Haring "Enough," 2024 Oil on paper on panel 20 x 20 in. (hari024)
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Oil, Panel

Samantha Haring "Static" Oil on paper on panel
Located in New York, NY
Samantha Haring "Static," 2024 Oil on paper on panel 20 x 20 in. (hari023)
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Paper, Oil, Panel

"The Battle of Ptolemais, 1191"
By Adam Springfield
Located in Southampton, NY
This large oil on canvas painting by Adam Springfield depicts the Battle of Ptolemais which took place in 1191. It is signed lower left and dated 1877. The verso of the painting contains the title of the painting. It has it's original period gold leaf frame and measures 44 x 63.75 inches. The siege of Ptolemais is unique in the history of the Crusades since the Frankish besiegers were themselves besieged, by Saladin's troops. It was not captured until July 1191 when the forces of the Third Crusade, led by King Richard I of England and King Philip II of France, came to King Guy's aid. Acre then served as the de facto capital of the remnant Kingdom of Jerusalem...
Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Geneva countryside and Lake Bienne, Switzerland by Pierre Desaules drawing 20x29
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper
Category

1960s Academic Art

Materials

Crayon

At Paulette s by M. Opériol - Drawing 32x41 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on canton paper
Category

1970s Academic Art

Materials

Pastel

The Librarian
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas : 61 x 43 cm Golden frame With frame : 70 x 52.7 x 4 cm This 19th-century portrait by an anonymous artist shows an elderly man seated at his desk, engrossed in writing...
Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Reception at the Salon
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
STEVENS Agapit (1848 – 1924) Reception at the Salon Oil on wood signed low left New Golden Frame Dim wood panel : 24 X 39 cm Dim Frame : 49 X 63 cm STEVENS Agapit (1848 – 1924) Be...
Category

1880s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

French Contemporary Art by Franck Bailleul - 7eme Symphonie
Located in Paris, IDF
Franck Bailleul is a French painter born in 1964 who lives works in Abbeville, Normandy, France. He has exhibited nationally as well as in the United States and China. His wor...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

David Vainqueur de Goliath by Marius Jean Antonin Mercié
Located in New Orleans, LA
Marius Jean Antonin Mercié French (1845-1916) David vainqueur de Goliath (David, Victor of Goliath) Signed “A. Mercié” (on base) Bronze This incredible bronze sculpture, entitled ...
Category

19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Brother Sister
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Pierre Lavarenne (French, born 1928) Title: Brother Sister Year: Circa 1975 Medium: Oil on canvas Canvas size: 15 x 18.25 inches Signat...
Category

Late 20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Oil

Magnificent Marble Sculpture of Roman Mythological Subject Minerva 1780
Located in Rome, IT
Finely carved mythological roman subject of Minerva in Marble Travertino . Excellent condition from an estate of Veneto. Measurements: Statue cm 180 . Minerva (Pallas Athena in Greek...
Category

Late 18th Century Academic Art

Materials

Marble

Original Le Puy En Velay, SNCF vintage travel poster
Located in Spokane, WA
Admiring the Original "Le Puy En - Velay" Vintage Poster The exquisite vintage poster for the old city of Le Puy En - Velay has inspired many art aficionados. ...
Category

1940s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

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...
Category

1850s Academic Art

Materials

Oil

At the market by Jean Ducommun - Drawing 30x42 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Work on paper without frame Signed
Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Art

Materials

Crayon

Untitled Man With Closed Eyes 1
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Untitled 1982 Young Man With Closed Eyes Artist signed, and dated. WILLIAM LUDWIG (1935-2011) Education: University of Connecticut, 1957-1961 Hartford Art School, University of Har...
Category

1980s Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Orson Wells by Mario Napoli - Bronze 60x50x28 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Bronze sculpture by Mario Napoli, Swiss artist from XXth century. His works was sold 12 times in auctions since 2022. Work signed in the bronze. Edition ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Academic Art

Materials

Bronze

Asian girl portrait Teddy bear innocence toys pink soft colors fine art classic
Located in Zofingen, AG
Girl with Teddy bear / Tender innocence This is one of my favorite artworks painted from nature. Painting are on stretched canvas come ready to hang. This is the “hidden frame”...
Category

2010s Academic Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Watercolor by A. Chaudet - The village church
Located in Geneva, CH
Watercolor on paper sold with frame. The total size with frame is 53x45,5 cm Signed A. Chaudet
Category

Late 19th Century Academic Art

Materials

Watercolor

Button, Sans titre, In Memory of My Feelings (after)
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin Mohawk Superfine Smooth paper. Paper Size: 11.937 x 8.96 inches. Inscription: Signed in the plate and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the folio, In Memory of M...
Category

1960s Academic Art

Materials

Lithograph

Academic art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Academic art 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 art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of purple, blue, orange, pink and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Karen Darbinyan, Owen Jones, Paul Jones b.1921, and Mark Beard. 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 Academic art, so small editions measuring 1.5 inches across are also available. Prices for art 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 $11 and tops out at $700,000, while the average work sells for $1,444.

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