The Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris is one of the most famous and oldest schools of art in the world. Founded in 1648 by King Louis XIV, it was originally intended for the training of artists for the royal court. However, over time it became open to students from all social backgrounds and became one of the most important schools of art in Europe. The Ecole des Beaux-Arts was highly influential in the development of the academic tradition in art. It taught its students to copy the masters and to idealize reality, rather than to paint from life or nature. This approach to art education continued well into the 19th century and had a profound effect on the development of Western art. Many famous artists, including Ingres, David, and Delacroix, were educated at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.
