Academic painting and sculpture were popular in the 19th century, notably in Europe, and conformed to a set of established rules and ideas. Nudes were particularly important in the initial study of art in Academicism, and drawing was regarded as the fundamental basis of art in general. Academic art has to do with formal instruction, and students would have to go through intense training in order to meet the standards of the academy. Yet, by adhering to their standards and winning important competitions, artists could essentially ensure their place in the world as successful artists.