Studies naar schilderkunst van Rafaël 1850

Charles Nicolas Lemercier created this print, "Studies naar schilderkunst van Rafaël," in the 19th century using lithography. It's a fascinating window into how artists in the 1800s understood and engaged with the artistic legacy of the Renaissance. The image presents a comparative study of Raphael's paintings, likely intended for academic or pedagogical use. France was undergoing significant social and political changes at the time. The print reflects the 19th-century art academies' emphasis on mastering classical forms and the old masters, like Raphael. These institutions played a vital role in shaping artistic taste and ensuring continuity with the past. The print embodies the conservative nature of these institutions, seeking to preserve and transmit established artistic values. By studying such prints, alongside historical documents, we gain insight into the complex relationship between artistic production, institutional power, and social values.