In the Renaissance and subsequently in academies in later periods, classical art was identified as the model that artists should study and attempt to emulate if they wished to perfect their art. In the academies, especially the French Academy in the 17th century, antique, or classical art, was established as the standard for all future achievement. The academies attempted to define classicism as the norm in art. Classicism as a style, and ideology, thereby became closely associated with the Academy, and the Academy with the State. The most influential academies were subject to if not directly supported by the State.
Academic art carries with it a barely concealed structure of values.
Associated with classicism are modes of feeling, valuing, perceiving and believing which have some kind of relation to the maintenance and reproduction of social power. The values of classicism are those which the prevailing power-structure wishes to maintain in society. The Renaissance and the Rise of the Artist The Renaissance and grazia 3. The Roots of Modernism Modernism and Art for Art's Sake Modernism and Politics Modernism and Postmodernism Modernism and the End of Art 5. Invaluable assistance was provided by Rebecca Massie Lane, Director of Galleries and the Arts Management Program , who in turn was assisted by Dana Lee Bordvick '98.