École des Beaux-Arts

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École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) refers to a number of influential art schools in France. The most renowned is the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in Paris, which has a long history of training many of the world's most famous artists.

History[edit | edit source]

The École des Beaux-Arts was established in 1648 by Cardinal Mazarin as the Académie de peinture et de sculpture. It was later merged with the Académie d'architecture in 1793 during the French Revolution to form the École des Beaux-Arts. The school became a model for art education in Europe and the Americas.

Curriculum[edit | edit source]

The curriculum at the École des Beaux-Arts was rigorous and focused on classical arts. It included courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, and architecture. Students were trained in the techniques of the Old Masters and were encouraged to study the works of Michelangelo, Raphael, and other Renaissance artists.

Notable Alumni[edit | edit source]

The École des Beaux-Arts has produced many notable alumni, including:

Claude Monet
Edgar Degas
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Gustave Moreau
Henri Matisse
Charles Garnier (architect of the Palais Garnier)

Influence[edit | edit source]

The École des Beaux-Arts has had a significant influence on art and architecture. Its emphasis on classical techniques and its rigorous training methods have shaped the development of Western art. The school's methods were adopted by many other art institutions around the world.