The founding of an art academy
Fine-art instruction in Europe is a long and prestigious tradition. It
began in the Middle-Ages when
master-painters passed on their artistic legacies to their
apprentices. In 1648 a group of young artists broke away from the
old establishment which grouped them together with artisans, formed a union,
and established in Paris the first French fine-arts institution. Considered
revolutionary for its time, the new school was modelled after existing Italian
institutions and named the AcadÈmie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture.
The school's main goals were to provide free instruction and promote equality
among the students. In this democratic spirit, instruction was free, making it
possible for students from all social backgrounds to attend. A wide array of
qualifying contests promoted social equality, allowing students to advance on
merit alone. The earliest incarnation of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts was born.