Thematic Guidance “Copying the Old Masters” Through the Exhibition “Inspired by Italy”

The thematic guidance “Copying the Old Masters” through the exhibition “Inspired by Italy” of the Gallery of Matica Srpska, will be organized on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, at 6 p.m., as well as on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 11 a.m. Art historian Jelena Marković will guide you through the part of the exhibition that refers to the making of copies modeled after the old Italian masters.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition of copying was alive and well in art academies throughout Europe. Copying was an integral part of the curriculum of art academies. That system of education meant that the young artist should come as close as possible to the ideals and show his own maturity and skill in imitating works of high art. Ideals were found in the art of the past, above all in ancient art, which since the Renaissance has become a benchmark for the development of the art of later eras. In this guide, you can find out how copying and studies of the works of old masters influenced the development of the artistic style of Serbian artists, why they were sent on study trips to Italy and what role private collections and museums played in their education.