Figurative

Explore Figurative Art: Masterful portrayals of the human form, emotion, and identity. Discover classical and contemporary works that challenge realism and reflect the human experience. Download high-resolution images for study and inspiration.

  • Emilia Floege Playing The Mandolin

    Emilia Floege Playing The Mandolin

    Bertha Müller (Austrian, 1848–1937)

    Emilia’s fingers dance across the mandolin strings, her gaze distant yet intent. The instrument rests lightly against her dress, its curves echoing her posture. A moment suspended—not quite performance, not quite reverie—where music lingers just beyond hearing.

  • Self-portrait (1906)

    Self-portrait (1906)

    John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925)

    A man in a dark suit stands against a muted background, his gaze direct and unflinching. The brushwork is loose yet precise, capturing the weight of his presence. Shadows play across his face, hinting at something unspoken beneath the composed exterior. The image lingers—quiet, unresolved.

  • The Story Book (1877)

    The Story Book (1877)

    William Bouguereau (French, 1825–1905)

    A young girl sits absorbed in a book, her bare feet tucked beneath her. Sunlight spills across the pages as she leans forward, lips slightly parted—caught between reading the story and living it. The worn cover hints at countless afternoons spent just like this, lost in words.

  • Portrait of Kathleen Cowan (1900)

    Portrait of Kathleen Cowan (1900)

    John White Alexander (American, 1856–1915)

    A woman gazes past the viewer, her dark dress melting into the shadows. Light catches the curve of her cheek, the hint of a secret playing at her lips. The brushstrokes suggest movement—as if she might turn away at any moment.

  • A Modern Magdalen (about 1888)

    A Modern Magdalen (about 1888)

    William Merritt Chase (American, 1849–1916)

    A woman leans forward, her face half-hidden in shadow. The loose brushstrokes blur her features, but the intensity in her posture lingers—neither penitent nor seductive, just present. The background melts away, leaving only the weight of her stillness.

  • Playing with butterflies

    Playing with butterflies

    Alois Hans Schram (Austrian, 1864–1919)

    A child reaches toward fluttering wings, fingers brushing delicate color. Laughter hangs in the air as butterflies dance just beyond grasp—a fleeting chase where joy outweighs capture. Sunlight catches on powdered wings and bare feet in the grass.

  • Lachrymae (1894–95)

    Lachrymae (1894–95)

    Frederic Leighton (English, 1830–1896)

    A woman draped in flowing white leans against a marble column, her face hidden. The folds of her gown pool around her like liquid sorrow. She grips a withered wreath—mourning made tangible. The air feels heavy with unspoken grief.

  • Two young Algerians

    Two young Algerians

    Frederick Arthur Bridgman (American, 1847–1928)

    Two Algerian youths stand close, their postures relaxed yet alert. One leans slightly forward, his striped robe catching the light, while the other’s dark gaze meets the viewer with quiet confidence. The warmth of North Africa lingers in the folds of their garments and the ease between them.

  • Miss Betty Pollock (1911)

    Miss Betty Pollock (1911)

    John William Waterhouse (British, 1849-1917)

    A young woman in a flowing blue dress gazes pensively into the distance, her delicate fingers resting lightly on a book. The soft light catches the folds of her gown, hinting at quiet contemplation. There’s an air of mystery in her half-turned pose—what thoughts linger behind those distant eyes?