In this article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of American Academy of the Fine Arts. From its origins to its impact today, we will explore all the relevant aspects of this American Academy of the Fine Arts. Throughout history, American Academy of the Fine Arts has played a crucial role in different aspects of society, whether as a source of inspiration, as an agent of change or as a symbol of cultural identity. Through detailed analysis, we will examine the many facets of American Academy of the Fine Arts, from its influence on art and culture to its relevance in people's daily lives. Furthermore, we will address its importance in the current context, considering its impact on the modern world and possible implications for the future. In summary, this article aims to offer a comprehensive view of American Academy of the Fine Arts, providing readers with a deep and enriching understanding of this topic that is so relevant today.
The American Academy of the Fine Arts was an art institution founded in 1802 in New York City, to encourage appreciation and teaching of the classical style. It exhibited copies of classical works and encouraged artists to emulate the classical in their work. The mayor of New York city at the time, Richard Varick, and Gulian Verplanck, a New York politician, were some of the academy's original organizers. Younger artists grew increasingly restive under its constraint, and in 1825 left to found the National Academy of Design.
The academy's original name was the New York Academy of the Fine Arts. Its founders included Richard Varick, a mayor of New York City, and Gulian C. Verplanck, a future influential politician in the state and nationally.
A conservative organization, the academy was led by John Trumbull, a painter, who served as its president from 1817 to 1836. He had long practiced the classical ideal of art and became known as a tyrant in his attitude toward young painters. The academy's conservatism and Trumbull's unyielding attitude eventually led to such a level of dissatisfaction among the younger painters that they formed a splinter group.
In 1825, they abandoned the American Academy to found the National Academy of Design, also in New York City. The American Academy said it regretted the loss of the young artists, but affirmed its traditions. Ultimately it did not attract enough students and support, and closed in 1841. The National Academy has continued as a vital institution.
In 1818, Trumbull, representing the American Academy, commissioned a portrait of his former teacher and mentor, the painter Benjamin West, from Thomas Lawrence, widely considered to be the most accomplished English portraitist of the age. Lawrence set a price of 400 guineas for the project. According to Carrie Rebora's 20th-century account, to pay for the work, Trumbull opened a subscription fund before finally taking delivery of the painting in 1822 for the academy. Two earlier 19th-century accounts had said that Lawrence was made a member of the academy and painted the portrait in exchange.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF THE FINE ARTS. New York, 20 day of Jan. 1818.
Be It Known, that Sir Thomas Lawrence, R. A., London, has been duly chosen an Honorary Member of the American Society of Fine Arts, and, as such, is entitled to all the rights and privileges given to Honorary Members by the bye-laws of the said Academy. In testimony whereof, the seal of the said Academy is affixed to these presents, and the same are signed by the President of the said Academy, and countersigned by the Secretary, the day and year above written.
John Turnbull, President.A. Robertson, Secretary.
Williams continues: "In appreciation of this honour, Sir Thomas Lawrence immediately painted for the academy a full-length likeness of Mr. West, the president of the English academy, and, as it is well known, a native of America."