Royal Academy of Arts London 1768 Benjamin WestSir Joshua Reynolds

Rigorous academic training Purpose - establish “official” style of British art through education and exhibitions. Initially lasted 6 years Classicism: study of antiquity, Old Masters, human figure Lectures in: Anatomy Perspective and Geometry Architecture Sculpture Painting Visitors – established, well known artist that served as mentors Drawing from life at the Royal Academy from The Microcosm of London ( )

Art was to “elevate and educate the viewer as to the proper moral state of mind.” Superiority of morally elevating history painting, the desirability of a “grand style,” and the precedence of design over color. Most valued subject included historical, mythological, and Biblical themes, followed by portraiture, genre paintings, landscape, and still life.

Annual Exhibitions First Royal Academy exhibition was in April 1769 showcasing over 130 works of art. Set conventions and created artistic elites Tradition continued to present day The exhibition at the Royal Academy, Somerset House from The Microcosm of London ( )

Benjamin West had a profound influence on the development of historical painting in Britain and especially American colonial art through his students: Washington Allston, Gilbert Stuart, Charles W. Peale, and John Singleton Copley Influence on art in Colonial America