Vitruvian Fine Art Studio

In the mid 19th century, French critics identified a growing problem in the world of art: drawing instruction in schools was in decline, and, in their opinion, so was the quality of artwork in France. For a country that took its painting very seriously, this was so alarming that even the government got involved, forming a committee to review the problem. Eventually, a private publisher stepped forward with a solution: a new standardized course for art students to follow that would improve the quality of drawing in schools across the country. Devised by French masters Charles Bargue and Jean-Leon Gerome, The Bargue- Gerome Drawing Course is a series of lithographed examples, or modeles, that students were taught to copy. The exercises helped students develop the technical skill and aesthetic judgement thought necessary to draw the figure from life. It was a staple in French schools for years, but with the dawn of modernism the Course fell into disuse, and over time was almost lost entirely. Until recently. With the republication of the Course in book form, the Bargue lithographs are widely available for study once more. This introductory class at the Vitruvian School of Art offers an opportunity to experience some of what Bargue has to offer. Class discussion will encompass the history of the Drawing Course, the advantages to the beginner of copying from reproductions, and the proper procedure for executing a drawing. Students will finish one drawing from Part I of the course using either charcoal or graphite.

This class was even more helpful than I thought it would be. I now find that myself using these techniques all the time when I'm drawing, and I've suddenly gotten much better! Thanks!

— Bargue Course student John Richardson.