What is an ‘Old Master’ in Art?

The term ‘Old Master’ comes from the Dutch ‘oude meester’, which originally referred to famous painters of the Dutch Golden Age, such as Rembrandt, van Eyck, and Vermeer. Today, it refers to European artists and their works from the late Middle Ages to the early nineteenth century, covering the Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic periods. This enormously broad term encompasses the foundations of Western art and masterpieces that continue to attract audiences and collectors. Even though some scholars dislike the term for being vague, it is still widely used to describe a vast body of work.

^{Follower of Filippino Lippi (1457-1504), a depiction of the Madonna and Child with attendant angels}

^{Sold for £255,000}

Due to the term spanning such an extensive period, it encompasses many artistic movements, each with its own technical approaches to perspective, anatomy, and chiaroscuro (light and shadow), and subject matter. The Renaissance, for example, heralded a renewed interest in classical antiquity, while the Baroque period was defined by dramatic expression and lavish grandeur.

Among the Old Masters, several figures stand out. Leonardo da Vinci, famed for works like ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘Mona Lisa’, combined scientific curiosity with artistic genius. Michelangelo, celebrated for his sculptures and the Sistine Chapel ceiling, pushed the boundaries of human form. Other luminaries include Raphael, Titian, Peter Paul Rubens, and Velázquez, each contributing unique styles and innovations that have influenced the course of art history. In many cases, however, the term also includes the works of students who worked under these Masters in their workshops.

^{Follower of Jusepe di Ribera (Spanish 1588/91-1652) - The Penitent Saint Peter}

^{Sold for £38,000}

Popular culture has continued to ensure a fascination with the works of the Old Masters. For example, exhibitions of Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam are regularly instant sell-outs, not least because of the show’s inclusion of Girl with a Pearl Earring, brought to life in the book and film of the same name. Museums across the globe, such as the Louvre, the National Gallery in London, and the Prado in Madrid, house extensive collections of Old Master paintings, drawing millions of visitors annually. Their works remain inspiring to contemporary artists, art historians, and collectors, serving as benchmarks for artistic achievement.

^{European School (18th century) - Scenes from the Ottoman Empire}

^{Sold for £10,000}

Old Master paintings command impressive prices in the art market, remaining highly sought after, although contemporary art tends to dominate headlines. Notable sales include Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’, which fetched $450.3 million in 2017, setting a record for the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. Works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vermeer have also achieved multimillion-pound prices, illustrating both their scarcity and historical importance.

If you are thinking of selling an Old Master painting, it is important to have it assessed by an independent expert who will be able to discern if your work might be attributed to an Old Master or is ‘in the style of’. Other considerations are provenance and condition. Here at Dawsons, our highly skilled Valuers will provide honest, expert advice on potential value and saleability, whilst our dynamic in-house marketing team can guarantee huge international exposure, ensuring the strongest price is achieved for your piece at one of our Fine Pictures, Prints and Sculpture sales.

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