Tekenles op een academie 1774 - 1833

Jacob Smies made this drawing of a life drawing class with pen in gray ink and brush in gray around the late 18th century. Here we see a group of young men diligently sketching a nude model, a classical sculpture in the background, and what appears to be an instructor overseeing the scene. What can this image tell us about the institutional history of art? By the late 1700s, academies played an increasingly important role in defining artistic standards. This drawing offers a glimpse into the academic methods of the time. Note the range of ages and social classes, evident in their dress. How did this academic setting shape artistic production? Understanding the social conditions that shaped art requires careful research, but this allows us to understand the politics of imagery. What are the power dynamics at play in this classroom? And how did academic training influence the art of the era?