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Academic art, also known as academicism, is a style of art that emerged in the late 19th century and was popularized by the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and other art institutions across Europe. This movement was characterized by a strict adherence to classical techniques and subject matter, which was intended to elevate the art form to a higher level of intellectual and moral significance.

The principles of academic art were based on the teachings of the Italian Renaissance and were rooted in the belief that art should be guided by a rational and disciplined approach to its creation. This approach emphasized the importance of technical skill, anatomical accuracy, composition, and the use of traditional media, such as oil paint and marble, in the pursuit of creating works of art that were both aesthetically pleasing and morally uplifting.

The themes of academic art were often historical, mythological, or biblical in nature and were intended to convey a message of moral virtue and cultural significance. The works of famous academic painters such as William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Jean-Léon Gérôme, and Lawrence Alma-Tadema were characterized by their highly detailed renderings of the human form, classical architecture, and natural landscapes.

Although academic art was highly regarded during its heyday and had a significant influence on the development of modern art, it was criticized later on for its conservative approach and lack of innovation. The rise of impressionism and other avant-garde movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries challenged the principles of academicism and led to its eventual decline in popularity.

Despite its decline, academic art remains an important and influential movement in the history of art. Its emphasis on technical skill and classical subject matter has had a lasting impact on the way in which artists approach their craft, and its works continue to be admired for their beauty and cultural significance.