Definition

1. Noun:
   • A great European painter prior to the 19th century: An "old master" is a highly skilled and historically significant European painter who worked before the 1800s. This term is often used to refer to artists from the Renaissance, Baroque, and other periods up to the late 18th century.
   • A painting by such an artist: The term can also refer to a specific artwork created by one of these distinguished painters.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (referring to the artist):
  • Rembrandt is considered an old master of the Dutch Golden Age.
  • The museum's new exhibition features works by several Italian old masters.
• Noun (referring to the artwork):
  • The auction house sold an old master for a record price.
  • This gallery specializes in old masters and 19th-century European art.

Advanced Usage

• "In the style of the old masters": Describing a work of art or technique that imitates the methods and qualities of great pre-19th century painters.
  • The contemporary painter is renowned for his portraits in the style of the old masters.

Variants and Related Words

• Old Master (capitalized): Often capitalized when used as a formal title or category in art history and commerce.
  • The Old Master drawings collection is on the second floor.
• Old Master painting: A more specific term for the artwork itself.
  • The catalog focused solely on Old Master paintings from the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Great master: A highly accomplished artist from a past era.
• Master painter: An artist of the highest skill, often from a historical period.

Related Phrases

• Old Master print: A print (e.g., an engraving or etching) created by or in the workshop of an old master painter.
  • She collects Old Master prints from the Renaissance period.

Noun

1. a great European painter prior to 19th century