when did the modern art era begin
This is not too surprising, since we are constantly moving forward in time, and what is considered modern painting or modern sculpture today, may not be seen as modern in fifty years time. Even so, it is traditional to say that Modern Art means works produced during the approximate period 1870-1970. This Modern era followed a long period of domination by Renaissance-inspired academic art, promoted by the network of European Academies of Fine Art. And is itself followed by Contemporary Art (1970 onwards), the more avant-garde of which is also called Postmodern Art.