The History of Fine Art

Origins of Fine Art – 16th–18th Century

The fine art field gained recognition during the Renaissance in Europe in the 14th century. Artists attempted to improve their understanding of the human body as well as nature and light itself. Fine arts was also used to document both life and the artistic story behind it. From the 16th century until the 18th, artists became focused on realism, details, and harmony while creating works of art. This produced the foundation of classical fine arts which many people continue to appreciate in modern society.

He introduced the term in his 1746 book, “Les Beaux-Arts reduits à un meme Principle.” This work is important because it presents the first clear definition of the fine arts and explains the principle that connects them.

19th Century – Art for Art’s Sake

Art from the 19th century began a movement to free artists from traditions. Artists wanted to create without constraints and create art that did not just include religiously inspired works done for kings and churches. The idea was best captured with the phrase “art for art’s sake,” which expressed the belief that a piece of artwork could exist solely for the aesthetic experience. Artists began experimenting with color, emotional content, and developing a personal artistic style. This era led to the development of modern fine art.

20th Century: Breaking Boundaries

Fine art changed dramatically in the 20th century. Artists began to depart from a real-life perspective that was structured and started experimenting with more innovative concepts, styles, and processes. Artists are now expressing themselves in an entirely different way, through many different art movements, such as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Art. They have challenged the traditional conventions of fine art by creating new methods of thinking about art as well as new and expressive ways to create.

Fine Art Today

Fine art has become globalized & diversified; artists are now using digital, mixed media, and modern technology as tools. Additionally, fine art now encompasses installation art, conceptual art, and virtual art. People are collecting fine art for aesthetic, emotional, financial, & cultural reasons. The continuing recognition of both classical and contemporary types of fine art by museums and galleries.