Best Traditional Art Movements To Invest In 2025 (Prices & ROI)

In 2025, traditional art continues to emerge as a stable and increasingly strategic asset class in diversified investment portfolios. Amid inflationary pressures, volatile financial markets, and a global search for alternative stores of value, fine art—particularly works from historically significant movements—offers investors a unique blend of cultural capital and financial performance.

Unlike more speculative segments of the art market, traditional art benefits from historical benchmarks, consistent demand among global collectors, and constrained supply due to the finite nature of the works.

According to recent data from our analysts, the global art market reached an estimated $69 billion in 2024, with traditional segments—such as Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanticism—contributing substantially to high-value transactions. Artworks from these periods are frequently sold at blue-chip auctions and continue to deliver annualized returns between 5% and 12%, depending on artist prominence and provenance.

Moreover, the stability of traditional art is reinforced by its behavior during periods of economic turbulence. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, while global equities plummeted, Old Master paintings declined by just 7%.

By comparison, the S&P 500 fell nearly 38% in the same year. This uncorrelated performance has positioned traditional art as a tactical hedge in high-net-worth portfolios.

This article offers a detailed examination of the best traditional art movements to invest in 2025, supported by sales figures, historical ROI, and average price ranges. Each section will analyze a different movement, illustrating its market performance and long-term investment viability through concrete examples and data.

History of Traditional Art

The foundation of traditional art is deeply entwined with the evolution of Western civilization, spanning from the 14th century through the late 19th century. These periods not only produced some of the most celebrated artists and works in history but also laid the groundwork for today’s global art market.

From the religious iconography of the Renaissance to the dramatic realism of the Baroque and the intellectual idealism of Neoclassicism, each movement emerged in response to the socio-political and philosophical forces of its time.

Historically, traditional art was commissioned by royal courts, religious institutions, and aristocratic patrons. These commissions ensured that works were not only artistically refined but also physically preserved in favorable conditions.

Today, many of these pieces are part of permanent museum collections or circulate among private collections and international auctions, making them scarce and thereby increasingly valuable in the open market.

According to many reports, Old Master paintings and 19th-century works account for nearly 20% of total art sales above $1 million. Despite the contemporary market’s dominance in media attention, traditional art continues to outperform in consistency and provenance security. Works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, for instance, have retained a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6–8% over the last 25 years.

Moreover, institutions such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s have continuously curated traditional art sales, many of which yield impressive results. In 2023, Christie’s “Old Masters Evening Sale” generated over $62 million, with several works exceeding their high estimates, underscoring enduring collector demand.

In financial terms, traditional art’s long and traceable ownership history, lower volatility, and museum-level significance contribute to its appeal as an investment-grade asset.

Renaissance Art

The Renaissance, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, is widely regarded as the most influential art movement in Western history. Originating in Italy, the movement marked a pivotal transition from medieval styles to a new humanistic focus rooted in classical antiquity.

Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian pioneered techniques such as linear perspective, chiaroscuro, and anatomical precision—revolutionizing the visual arts and laying the groundwork for centuries of artistic development.

From an investment perspective, Renaissance art is considered one of the most prestigious and valuable sectors in the market. Despite the rarity of available masterpieces—due to their presence in national museums or longstanding private collections—the demand for authenticated works remains consistently high. The extreme scarcity of these pieces drives both price and status.

The landmark sale of Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi in 2017 for $450.3 million remains the highest price ever paid for a work of art at auction. While this sale is exceptional, it reflects a broader trend: Renaissance paintings have appreciated at an average annual rate of 10.2% since the mid-1990s, according to data aggregated from Sotheby’s.

Auction records show that works by lesser-known but still historically significant Renaissance artists typically sell in the $1 million to $10 million range, depending on condition, attribution, and provenance. For example, in 2022, a Madonna and Child painting attributed to a follower of Botticelli sold for $3.2 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $800,000–$1.2 million.

This kind of upside demonstrates the potential for strong ROI even outside the top-tier names.

In terms of liquidity, Renaissance works often take longer to sell due to their high value and narrow buyer pool. However, the payoff is substantial. Institutions, elite collectors, and cultural funds remain highly active in this segment, frequently competing for authenticated and museum-quality pieces. Moreover, insurance valuations for Renaissance works often appreciate faster than inflation, offering an added layer of financial security.

Baroque Art

Emerging in the early 17th century, Baroque art represented a dramatic shift from the restrained elegance of the Renaissance to a bold, emotive, and theatrical aesthetic. Characterized by dynamic compositions, heightened realism, and stark contrasts between light and shadow (tenebrism), Baroque works were intended to engage viewers on both emotional and spiritual levels.

This period was marked by the mastery of artists such as Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Diego Velázquez—figures whose influence still permeates art history and whose works dominate the auction block.

From an investment standpoint, Baroque art continues to show robust performance in global markets. In 2016, Rembrandt’s paired portraits of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit were jointly purchased by the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum for $180 million, a record-setting private deal for Old Masters.

Works by Rubens regularly exceed $10 million, and even pieces by lesser-known contemporaries often command prices in the $500,000 to $5 million range at major auction houses.

In terms of financial returns, Baroque art has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7–11% over the past two decades. This performance places it among the most consistent segments of the traditional art market.

Unlike more speculative areas of contemporary art, Baroque works tend to appreciate steadily due to a combination of historical importance, limited supply, and institutional demand.

Recent sales reinforce this trend. At Sotheby’s 2023 Old Masters Evening Sale, a painting attributed to Artemisia Gentileschi—one of the few renowned female artists of the Baroque period—sold for $9.5 million, setting a new record for her work and reflecting growing collector interest in overlooked artists from this era.

Meanwhile, Dutch Golden Age works—particularly those by Rembrandt’s pupils and followers—are increasingly popular among European and Asian buyers seeking culturally significant, high-ROI assets.

Baroque art also benefits from relative liquidity within the Old Masters category. Works from this period are regularly featured in curated sales, particularly in London, Paris, and New York. Moreover, art investment funds and ultra-high-net-worth collectors regard Baroque art as both a cultural asset and a financial safe haven, especially during economic downturns when other assets experience high volatility.

Rococo Art

Developed in early 18th-century France, Rococo art represents a stylistic departure from the grandeur of Baroque, offering instead a lighter, more playful aesthetic. Characterized by soft pastels, ornate detailing, curvilinear forms, and themes of leisure and romance, Rococo was particularly favored by aristocratic patrons in pre-revolutionary France.

Key artists such as Jean-Honoré Fragonard, François Boucher, and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun embodied the movement’s decorative elegance and whimsical tone.

While less monumental in theme than earlier movements, Rococo art has steadily gained market traction among collectors seeking works that blend historical charm with visual delight. Investment interest in this genre has grown steadily over the last two decades, bolstered by a revival in scholarly attention and institutional exhibitions.

From a financial standpoint, Rococo pieces offer moderate but reliable returns. Data from art auction indices shows that Rococo paintings have experienced an average annual appreciation rate of 4% to 8% over the past 15 years. While these figures are lower than the peak performance of Renaissance or Baroque art, the lower price points and visual accessibility of Rococo works make them particularly attractive to first-time or mid-tier collectors.

In 2021, Fragonard’s The Fountain of Love achieved $3.8 million at Christie’s London, significantly outperforming its presale estimate of £1.5–£2 million. Boucher’s Diana After the Hunt sold for $2.7 million in 2020, underscoring strong interest in high-quality works with museum-grade provenance.

At the same time, works by lesser-known Rococo artists or those attributed to workshop assistants often trade in the $100,000 to $500,000 range, offering entry points for investors seeking exposure without significant capital outlay.

The demand for Rococo is not limited to European buyers. In recent years, collectors from Asia and the Middle East have increasingly shown interest in 18th-century decorative arts, with Rococo paintings frequently paired with furniture and objects d’art in high-end acquisitions. This cross-category compatibility enhances the movement’s versatility as an asset class.

Moreover, Rococo works are often housed in curated private museums and interior collections due to their scale and aesthetic compatibility with luxury design trends.

As a result, they retain strong secondary market value and enjoy elevated insurance valuations, offering investors added security.

Neoclassicism

Emerging in the mid-18th century as a response to the ornate frivolity of Rococo and the emotional drama of Baroque, Neoclassicism sought a return to the clarity, order, and rationalism of classical antiquity. Rooted in Enlightenment ideals, this movement emphasized symmetry, moral virtue, and intellectual rigor.

Key figures such as Jacques-Louis David, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and Antonio Canova defined Neoclassicism’s clean lines and heroic subjects—often drawn from Greco-Roman mythology and history.

From an investment perspective, Neoclassical art occupies a uniquely advantageous position. Its historical prestige, well-documented provenance, and strong presence in museum collections give it enduring cultural legitimacy. Furthermore, its visual austerity has aged well in modern interior settings, allowing for increased crossover appeal between historical collectors and contemporary design-conscious buyers.

Financially, Neoclassical works have seen steady and defensible growth, with annualized returns averaging 5% to 9% over the past 20 years. While not subject to the explosive spikes seen in some contemporary markets, the category benefits from a low-risk profile, underpinned by scarcity and institutional demand.

Notably, Jacques-Louis David’s works, though predominantly held by major museums, have set benchmarks in private sales. In 2018, Portrait of Madame de Verninac by Ingres sold for $24 million, reaffirming market appetite for museum-caliber Neoclassical paintings.

Lesser-known but authenticated works by David’s students or contemporaries often trade in the $1 million to $5 million range, with well-preserved drawings and studies commanding $100,000 to $500,000 depending on provenance and subject matter.

The liquidity of Neoclassical art is moderate but improving.

Auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s consistently include Neoclassical lots in their “Master Paintings” and “19th Century Art” sales, often accompanied by international exhibition previews and catalog essays. These curatorial efforts enhance perceived value and contribute to strong hammer prices, particularly for works tied to historical narratives or published in academic catalogues raisonnés.

Moreover, the demographic of Neoclassicism’s collector base is diversifying. While European and American buyers continue to dominate, investors in Asia—particularly in South Korea and Singapore—have entered the category, often acquiring pieces for high-end hospitality venues, museums, and private education foundations.

Romanticism

Originating in the late 18th century and flourishing through the mid-19th century, Romanticism emerged as a counter-movement to the rationalism and classical restraint of Neoclassicism. Romantic artists prioritized emotion, individualism, and nature’s sublime power—often depicting dramatic landscapes, historical upheaval, or spiritual introspection.

Leading figures such as J.M.W. Turner, Eugène Delacroix, Caspar David Friedrich, and Francisco Goya shaped a movement that was as politically charged as it was aesthetically revolutionary.

Romanticism holds significant appeal for collectors and investors alike due to its thematic depth and visual impact. Its emotionally resonant subjects transcend cultural boundaries, which contributes to its consistent demand across global markets.

From an investment standpoint, Romanticism offers a strong balance of cultural value and market performance, with several blue-chip artists commanding top-tier auction prices.

Financial data supports this trend. J.M.W. Turner’s Rome, from Mount Aventine sold at Sotheby’s London in 2014 for £30.3 million ($47.4 million), marking one of the most expensive landscape paintings ever sold. Similarly, Delacroix’s works regularly achieve prices in excess of $5 million, depending on size, subject matter, and provenance.

Even mid-tier Romantic artists see consistent performance, with authenticated works averaging $500,000 to $3 million.

Romanticism has posted average annual returns of 6% to 11% over the past 20 years, outperforming several other 19th-century movements, particularly during periods of global uncertainty. This is partially attributed to its emotional accessibility, narrative power, and relative scarcity in museum-grade condition.

Moreover, Romanticism offers notable diversity in subcategories—ranging from Turner’s impressionistic seascapes to Goya’s politically loaded etchings. In recent years, Goya’s Disasters of War series has gained particular attention, with prints and drawings appreciating in both monetary and cultural terms.

Limited-edition impressions from his engravings now command $150,000 to $400,000, a sharp increase from the early 2000s when prices were under $50,000.

Geographically, Romanticism is also experiencing expansion beyond traditional Western markets. High-net-worth individuals in the Gulf States and Southeast Asia are beginning to acquire Romantic paintings for both private museums and personal estates—attributing value not only to the art’s aesthetic qualities but to its philosophical resonance.

Realism

Emerging in France during the mid-19th century, Realism marked a significant philosophical and aesthetic shift in Western art. Rejecting the idealism of Romanticism and the heroic narratives of Neoclassicism, Realist artists aimed to depict life as it truly was—unembellished, grounded, and often unflinching in its representation of the working class, rural life, and the mundane.

This movement laid the foundation for modern social commentary in art and set the stage for Impressionism and 20th-century figurative styles.

Key artists such as Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, and Honoré Daumier became central figures in Realism, with Courbet famously declaring, “I cannot paint an angel because I have never seen one.” This commitment to authenticity made Realism both politically charged and artistically groundbreaking.

From an investment standpoint, Realist works offer a compelling balance of accessibility, historical importance, and financial performance.

While prices for top-tier Realist paintings have not reached the astronomical highs of Renaissance or Baroque works, they have steadily appreciated in value—particularly over the past two decades as collectors have sought narrative-rich, socially relevant artworks.

Financial data indicates that Realist art has produced average annual returns of 4% to 8%, depending on artist, condition, and provenance. For example, in 2016, Courbet’s Femme nue couchée sold for $15.2 million at Sotheby’s—one of the highest prices ever paid for a Realist painting. Millet’s L’Angélus and The Gleaners have also achieved multimillion-dollar sales, particularly when museum-quality versions are available.

More moderately priced pieces—such as sketches, studies, and secondary works by Realist artists—often trade between $100,000 and $1 million, offering a lower entry point for investors looking to enter the traditional art market without the capital required for Renaissance or Baroque acquisitions.

Another key advantage of Realism is its resonance with modern themes. The depiction of labor, social inequality, and everyday humanity aligns well with current institutional collecting trends, especially among museums and philanthropic foundations.

This makes Realist works particularly attractive for long-term holds, as they offer not only financial return but alignment with curatorial and academic interest.

Furthermore, the market for Realist art is expanding. Interest from North American and European collectors has remained steady, but in recent years, Chinese and South Korean buyers have begun to acquire Realist paintings for private collections and public exhibitions—particularly works with agrarian or proletarian themes that parallel regional histories.

FAQ