Saturday, November 2, 2013

Hierarchy of Paintings

Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii,
1784
During the 1600's a ranking system was developed by the art academies that determined the importance of the subject matter of a painting.  This ranking system, based on traditions of Greek and Roman art established during the Italian Renaissance, was used by the academies as a basis for awarding prizes and scholarships as well as spaces in their exhibitions. It also had a significant impact on the perceived monetary value of an artwork, in the sale rooms of auction houses. The academies ranked the genres as follows (from most valuable to least valuable): (1) History Painting (see picture); (2) Portraits; (3) Genre Painting; (4) Landscapes; (5) Still Life.  Enjoy!


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