What is the meaning of the term "Grand Manner" and in relation to which paintings can we apply it?

For every member of the Royal Academy (an institution dictating the “official” taste in art in the eighteenth and nineteenth century) the term “Grand Manner” would have been applied to every painting considered to be a manifestation of the highest style of art in academic theory. This theory was based on the principles of classical Greek and Roman art, and above all stressed clever composition, meticulous execution and morally uplifting content. A painting worthy of a “Grand Manner” label would traditionally have been painted with a fine level of detail on a large-scale canvas, and would have contained either historical or mythological subject matter with cultural quotes – specific references to classical or religious sources, such as specific positions of the figures, copied from the works of the Great Masters (such as Raphael). Traditionally the Grand Manner label has been applied to history paintings, but the first ever president of the British Royal Academy, Sir Joshua Reynolds, adapted it successfully to portraiture as well.

MZ
Answered by Maria Z. History of Art tutor

8281 Views

See similar History of Art A Level tutors

Related History of Art A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is visual analysis?


Select two works of art, each by a different artist, and comment on how each artist has responded to the time in which they lived.


Discovering the Sublime in 19th century art


Discuss the depiction and interpretation of the human body in three works of art, each of a different medium. Select your examples from the work of at least two artists.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences