There are several directions in painting, and in each era, one of them was the main one. In the 17th century, such a style in the visual arts as academism appeared and remained popular until the 19th century. This direction is based on classicism, but more refined and elaborated.
Distinctive features
Academism is a trend in painting, which was based on the traditions of ancient art and the Renaissance. But this style differs from them in its more advanced performance technique and other rules for constructing the composition. This style stands out among other areas in painting:
- idealization of nature;
- pomposity;
- high level of performance.
Academism is a realistic visual art, characterized by a high level of skill of the painter. In it you can see some features of classicism, which makes the picture even more perfect and aesthetic. The paintings of academic artists stand out among others in that they are very carefully and thoroughly designed.
Academism is intertwined with salon art, which is characterized by:
- detailed study;
- following all the main principles of academism and classicism;
- impeccable execution, but rather superficial idea of the plot.
This trend in painting was very popular, and many famous people of that era ordered paintings from academic artists to decorate the walls of the house or salon.
Themes of paintings
Academism is splendor, impeccable performance, pathos. But at the same time, paintings written in this style did not differ in "deep" content. Those who were closer to salon art, tried to give their works a certain eclecticism - the masters emphasized the entertaining component and high performance.
In Russian academicism of the first half of the 19th century, biblical subjects, salon landscapes, and, of course, ceremonial portraits were most often depicted. The Russian branch of this style differed from the European one in higher elevation, versatility and pomp. Despite the small variety of subjects, the paintings have always been distinguished by an impeccable level of performance. Also in the XIX century, elements of realism and romanticism began to be added to this style.
Famous representatives
The most famous artists and academics were: Karl Bryullov, Alexander Ivanov and other members of the Association of Traveling Art Exhibitions. It is worth noting that Karl Bryullov, despite a strict adherence to the principles of academism, expanded the options for the plots. And it was thanks to him that the features of romanticism appeared in Russian academicism. Then, historicism, traditionalism and features of realism will become characteristic of this trend.
In Europe, the most popular representatives of academism were Jean Ingres, Paul Delaroche, Charles Barg and others. Among the representatives of the European direction were those who liked the "salon" technique and those who used more elevated themes for the plots of paintings. Paul Delaroche stood out among the artists of this direction in that his works were dominated by historical and church subjects. One of his most famous works is the fresco "Semicircles" which depicts 75 great artists. The master was also known for his amazing portraits, and his brushes belong to the image of many famous people of that era.
Another famous representative of the European direction is Eugene de Blaas, an Italian artist. His father was an artist, like his brother. Only if the elder liked animalistic plots more, then Eugene was more interested in writing plots on the life of ordinary Venetians. Then he became a professor at the Academy of Venice.
Modern academism
The greatest heyday of this trend was from the XVII to the middle of the XIX century. Now, by academism in art we mean artists who have received a systematic education in the field of painting and have classical skills for creating works at a high level of performance.
This term refers more to the method and manner of execution than to the plot of the paintings. But in the countries of Europe, America and Russia, interest in the academic style of painting of the 19th century increased, and some modern artists began to interpret the paintings of famous representatives of the academics.
Academism is one of the most famous trends in painting, which was dominant from the 17th to the middle of the 19th century. Masters sought to improve technology and they were able to create paintings that have become masterpieces in world painting.