Academic Study of Adolescent Boy, Seen from Behind c. 1807 - 1810

Horace Vernet created this oil on canvas painting entitled ‘Academic Study of Adolescent Boy, Seen from Behind’ in 19th-century France. This artwork is concerned with depicting the human form, which was at the time a core component of academic training for artists. In France during this period, the École des Beaux-Arts, or School of Fine Arts, heavily influenced artistic production. The standards taught in schools, which are exemplified here, were upheld in official Salons. The depiction of nude figures was a cornerstone of artistic training, serving to create an image of male power and authority. However, we can see how the conservative nature of this institution may have contributed to a stifling conformity. Many artists sought to break free from these constraints and express more radical ideas. Looking at Vernet’s study, it is clear that the institutions that surround art making play a key role in shaping the art itself. Through archival research and historical contextualization, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art and society.