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.
Saint Raphael the Archangel – Antique Spanish Religious Oil Painting
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Spanish School – Saint Raphael the Archangel – Oil on Canvas – An impressive late 18th-century religious oil painting depicting Saint Raphael the Archangel, traditionally associate...
Canvas, Oil
Fine Antique Italian Old Master Oil Painting Madonna of Sorrows
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Madonna in Sorrow Italian School, mid 19th century after the 17th century Old Master oil painting by Sassoferrato (Uffizi, Florence) Oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 29.5 × 25 inches ...
Oil
Italian School – Nativity of Christ – Large Religious Oil Painting
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Italian School – Nativity of Christ – 18th Century – Oil on Canvas – 94 × 130 cm Oil on canvas. Unsigned. Artwork: 94 × 130 cm (37 × 51.2 in.). Framed: 114 × 149 cm (44.9 × 58.7 in.)...
Canvas, Oil
Pair of 19th-Century Italian Alpine Oil Paintings Attributed to Giovan Battista
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Northern Italian landscape paintings from the second half of the 19th century, attributed to the Milanese painter Giovan Battista Lelli (1827–1887). The two compositions depi...
Canvas, Oil
Venetian School, late 15th century, Saint Paul the Apostle
Located in Stockholm, SE
Venetian School, late 15th century Saint Paul the Apostle oil on panel unframed 44.5 × 23.5 cm (17.5 × 9.3 in) framed 64 × 42 cm (25.2 × 16.5 in) No signature Provenance: Private ...
Oil, Wood Panel
Superb Large 19th Century Landscape Oil Painting Victorian London by Moonlight
By Henry Pether
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘Westminster from the Thames by Moonlight’ by Henry Pether (1800-1880). The painting - one of the artist’s finest views of London in the 1860s - depicts the Houses of Parliament, t...
Oil
Fine 17thC British Portrait Aristocratic Lady Holding Flowers Huge Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady Holding Flowers in a Landscape Setting English School, 17th century, circle of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) inscribed 'C Wither of Hall Place' oil on ...
Oil
Catalan School – Virgin of Montserrat with Child – Antique Oil Painting
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Catalan School – Virgin of Montserrat with Child – Oil on Canvas – 45.5 × 56.5 cm An antique religious oil painting from the Catalan School, dating from the late 18th to early 19th ...
Oil
Fine Pair 1700's Portraits of Moorish Prince and Princess in Carved Wood Frames
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Circle of Jean Baptiste Vanmour (French, 1671–1737) Portraits of a Moorish Prince and Princess c. 1700 Pair of oil paintings on canvas, unsigned framed in carved gilt wood frames D...
Canvas, 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
$5,042
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
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
Mediterranean Harbour with Lighthouse and Shipping
Located in Stockholm, SE
French School, late 17th Century Mediterranean Harbour with Lighthouse and Shipping oil on panel, circular composition unframed 20 cm (7.9 in) framed 33.5 × 33.5 cm (13.2 × 13.2 in...
Oil, Wood Panel
$6,682
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
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 inch...
Oil
$2,186
Fine 17th Century Flemish Oil Painting Cavalry Skirmish Many Figures & Horses
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Cavalry Skirmish Flemish School, 17th century circle of Pieter Wouvermans, unsigned oil on canvas, framed framed: 12 x 14 inches canvas: 9.5 x 11.5 inches Provenance: private col...
Oil
$6,285
17th-Century Flemish Oil - Saint Barbara, A Symbol of Protection and Resilience
Located in Aartselaar, BE
17th century Flemish School, Saint Barbara This accomplished 17th-century Flemish oil painting depicts Saint Barbara, shown as a serene and powerful woman dressed in a luminous red gown, set against a warm, atmospheric background and proudly holding her traditional attribute; a tower. The invention of the present composition stems from 17th century Antwerp and was likely drawn by Theodoor van Thulden...
Canvas, Oil
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
17th century Flemish seascape - Stormy Sea with Merchant Vessels and dolphins
By Bonaventura Peeters the Elder
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Bonaventura Peeters the Elder (1614–1652) attr., Stormy Coastal Scene with Merchant Vessels, Galliot, and Dolphins Framed by rugged cliffs and illuminated under a dark, swirling sk...
Oil, Panel
Period Marine Landscape Credited to Warren Sheppard
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful painting, due to its very high quality of execution, style and era, can be referred to the great artist Warren Sheppard, who specialized in seascapes. Of great evocati...
Canvas, Oil
$5,397
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
Antique English Grand Tour Old Master Oil Figures Classical Arcadian Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Classical Landscape English School, early 19th century, unsigned oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 19 x 27 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: The painting is in very...
Oil, Canvas
Huge 18th Century British Oil Painting Dusk Landscape Figures Boat & Lake
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Dusk Landscape British School, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed painting: 32 x 41 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and...
Oil, Canvas
The Madonna with Christ Child & St. John Fine 18th Century Italian Old Master
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian School, 18th century oil on wood, framed in period gilt antique frame framed: 16 x 14.5 inches wood: 9 x 6.5 inches provenance: private...
Oil
$17,456
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...
Oil, Wood Panel
Large 18th Century European Oil Painting Portrait of Noble Lady Lace Collars
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Noble Lady European School, 18th century oil on canvas, framed framed: 37.5 inches canvas: 30 x 24.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good ...
Oil, Canvas
Fine 19th Century French Oil Painting Classical Roman Figures Interior Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Attributed to Antoine Felix Boisselier (19th Century) French (unsigned) 'Classical figures in a bed chamber Medium: oil on canvas, with inscription verso S...
Oil
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
Early 1800's English Oil Painting Figure in Rural Woodland Landscape, original
By circle of John Constable
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: English School, early 1800's, circle of John Constable (British 1776-1837) Title: The Woodland Path Medium: oil on canvas, framed, unsigned Size: 12 x 22 inches Picture: 9 x 18 inches Provence: from a private collection in East Anglia...
Canvas, Oil
Italian School, Late 17th Century Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
Located in Woodbury, CT
Italian School, Late 17th Century (circa 1670–1700) Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane Oil on panel, in a carved and gilded Baroque frame The painting is unsigned A moving devotiona...
Copper
18th Century German Old Master Portrait of an Elderly Bearded Man
By Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich
Located in Stockholm, SE
Circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich (1712–1774) Germany Head of an Elderly Bearded Man oil on panel unframed 28 × 22.5 cm (11 × 8.9 in) framed 44.5 × 38.5 cm (17.5 × 15.2 in...
Oil, Wood Panel
$1,619
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
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
Early 18th-Century Italian Venetian Portrait Painting Tempera on Glass
Located in Roma, IT
Early 18th-Century Italian Venetian Portrait Painting on Glass This wonderful early 18th-century portrait of a lady holding a small dog is a classic example of reverse glass painting...
Glass, Tempera
Large 1700's Italian Oil Painting on Canvas Portrait of a Clerical Gentleman
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Clerical Gentleman Italian artist, mid 18th century Circle of Giovanni Battista Carboni (1725-1790) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 26 x 22 inches provenance: private c...
Oil, Canvas
$2,049
Large 18th Century English Old Master Oil Painting Portrait of Lady on canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Lady English School, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 31 x 25 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: good and sound condition
Oil, Canvas
Fine 17th Century Dutch Old Master Oil Bathers by Wooden Pool Carved Wood Frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Bathers by the Woodland Pool Dutch School, 17th century circle of Cornelis van Poelenburgh (1594-1667) oil on copper, framed framed: 13 x 15 i...
Oil
$8,082Sale Price|20% Off
St. George Dragon Tuscan School 17/18th Century Paint Oil on canvas Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Tuscan School 17th–18th centuries Saint George and the Dragon Oil on canvas 66 x 50 cm. Framed: 92 x 76 cm. The fascinating painting we present here depicts the victory of ...
Oil
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
$1,728Sale Price|20% Off
Madonna and Child
Located in Genève, GE
No signed This 18th-century oil on copper painting, by an anonymous artist, exemplifies the refinement and technical sophistication associated with this highly prized medium in Euro...
Copper
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Escuela española (XVIII) - Óleo sobre cobre - Virgen orando
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La pintura representa a la Virgen María por su iconografía tradicional. Viste un manto azul verdoso que cubre su cabeza y hombros, y una túnica rosada con detalles en tonos claros. S...
Oil
$1,485
CAVALRY BATTLE- Antonio Savisio - Neapolitan School - Oil on canvas Painting,
Located in Napoli, IT
Land Battle - Antonio Savisio Italia 2006 - Oil on canvas diam. cm. 30 Gold leaf gilded and laquered wooden frame cm. 47x47 Maestro Antonio Savisio drew inspiration from the master...
Canvas, Oil
$17,142
Landscape with Gentleman on Horseback and Peasant Woman Receiving Alms
By Philips Wouwerman
Located in Stockholm, SE
Workshop / Circle of Philips Wouwerman (1619-1668) Landscape with Gentleman on Horseback and Peasant Woman Receiving Alms oil on oak panel 12.40 x 14.17 inches (31.5 x 36 cm) wit...
Oak, Oil, Wood Panel
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...
Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
17th Century Large Italian Old Master Oil Christ and the Penitent Canaanite
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
17th Century Italian School Christ and the Canaanite Woman oil on canvas, framed Framed: 30.5 x 35 inches in an antique gilt 'hollow' fra...
Oil
17th Century Flemish School Adoration of the Magi Oil on Canvas
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
"17th Century Flemish School Old Master Adoration of the Magi." Oil on canvas. Previously relined. Unsigned. Artwork: 81 × 61 cm (31.9 × 24 in.). 88 × 69 cm (34.6 × 27.2 in.). (Fra...
Oil, Canvas
$1,371Sale Price|20% Off
Virgin and Child Oil on Canvas, Colonial School, Mid-19th Century
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Interesting oil on canvas depicting the Virgin and Child, belonging to the Colonial School, almost certainly Cusco (Peru). It dates from the mid-19th century and is unsigned. The wor...
Oil
Fine 17th Century English Old Master Oil Painting Portrait Aristocratic Lady
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Young English Aristocratic Lady English, circa 1670's period, unsigned oil on canvas laid on board, unframed canvas: 30 x 25 inches Provenance: private collection, UK C...
Oil, Canvas
$1,639
Fine 1700's French/ Dutch Oil Painting on Copper Portrait Man Ruff Collar
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of a Gentleman wearing a Ruff Collar Dutch/ French artist, 18th century oil painting on copper, unframed copper board : 6.75 x 5 inches provenance: private collection, UK co...
Copper
$21,988Sale Price|20% Off
Venus Adonis Giaquinto Paint 18th Century Oil on canvas Old master Italian Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Corrado Giaquinto (Naples, 1703 – Naples, 1765) Venus tries to dissuade Adonis from going hunting Oil on canvas 131 x 100 cm. – With an important period frame (imperfections, mi...
Oil
Fine 17th Century English Master Oil Painting Mother & Two Children Portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Mother with Two Children Reading English School (17th century). Canvas: 29 × 25 inches Medium: oil on canvas, unframed. Provenance: private collection, UK. Condition: good overall co...
Oil
$2,999
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
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
$3,006
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...
Oil, Wood Panel
$2,753
PRIVATE READINGS - Angelo Granati Italian Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Napoli, IT
Private readings - Angelo Granati Italia 2013 This is his reinterpretation of a greatest old master painting "Comparisions"by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. ...
Bronze
$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
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
$3,217Sale Price|35% Off
Early 19th century English Antique Still life of peaches, grapes, melon outdoors
By George William Sartorius
Located in Woodbury, CT
Wonderful Early 19th-century Still life of different fruits on an earth bank. Very much painted in the same way as George William Sartorius painted his still lives this piece has al...
Canvas, Oil
Fine Old Master Portrait of Wilhelm Burggraeff after Rembrandt Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Wilhelm Burggraeff German School, after Rembrandt van Rijn inscribed verso oil on board, framed Framed size: 17 x 14 inches Board size: 15 x 12 inches Provenance: private...
Oil
$7,606Sale Price|20% Off
Still-Life Flowers Stanchi Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Italy Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Giovanni Stanchi (Rome, 1608–1675) Workshop Still Life with a Vase of Flowers Oil on canvas 76 x 61 cm. - Framed (with imperfections) 93 x 77 cm. The composition features a l...
Oil