Art History Lecture w/ Tom Richards - Academic Art

An installment in the series of Art History related content on The FAA Collective

Dear Patrons,

Thank you for support! This week we would like to present you with an exciting video lecture by Tom Richards, Assistant Director of The Florence Academy of Art on the traditions, aesthetics, and philosophies of Academic Art. 

Many of us, especially if you’re subscribing to this Patreon channel, are likely aesthetically inclined to what we call “academic art” and many of us have even spent time in an atelier studying; but what exactly is the academic tradition? Where does it find its start and how has it evolved over time? 

In this lecture Tom talks about the root essence of the Academic Tradition and its connection to the classical world through a parallel between Apollo and Dionysus; the rational vs. the instinctive; the academic vs. expressive. Tom guides us through the annals of art history from antiquity to the Italian academies; to the founding of the the French Academy with its split between followers of Rubens vs. Poussain; and the French Academic Tradition’s exportation throughout the world eventually leading to the Royal Academy of London. 

Using works by artists such as Vasari, Annibale Caracci, Tiziano, David, Delaroche, Ingres, Couture, Joshua Reynolds, Rodolfo Amoedo, Mary Moser, Bouguereau, Sargent, Ribera, and Michelango, Tom discusses the historical and political context for the academies and artists, as well as stresses the importance of training for achieving the mastery that through history has been so deeply appreciated in their works of art. 

We hope you thoroughly enjoy this lecture and would like to remind you that Art History lectures take place every Friday at The Florence Academy of Art campus in Florence, everyone is very welcome to join! More information on lectures can be gained through bulletins posted on The FAA’s social media and e-newsletter. 

Tom Richards is Assistant Director of the Florence Academy of Art, principle instructor at the academy, and a working artist based in the UK and Italy. To view his work please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/tominflorence/

https://www.tawrichards.com/

https://www.florenceacademyofart.com/alumni-gallery/tom-richards/