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Old Masters

By , About.com Guide

Raphael's Drawing, Photo © Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

Old Masters works never go out of fashion. Raphael's drawing Head of a Muse offered at Christie's on December 4, 2009 in London.

Photo © Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images
Definition:

Old Masters in fine art refer to prominent European artists, mainly men, who created artwork in the period between the 15th to the 18th centuries. However, these dates are approximations as artists such as Goya who worked until 1828 is considered an Old Master.

Artists such as Vermeer, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are considered Old Masters.

Old Masters began their early careers apprenticing in the art studios of well-established artists to gain full training in the traditional techniques of painting, printmaking, drawing and sculpting. As they matured and mastered their own artwork, they went independent, establishing their own art studios and creating signature works.

Pronunciation: ohld mas-terz
Also Known As: antiquities, masterpieces, Old Masters paintings, Old Masters prints, Old Masters drawings

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