The Museum: Art Reference Photos & Visual Archives

Why Artists Study the Masters

Most artists study other artists’ works. Not to plagiarize, but to understand it. Too, the germs of greatness lie in seeing the world as inspiration, and inspiration is driven by learning how to “see”, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before, and it is a blessing not to have to start from zero.

In times past, it was considered a mark of a civilized man or woman, and part of a Classical Education, to study art classics and to copy the Master’s works.

Copying, for example, a Rembrandt forces you to solve the same problems Rembrandt faced: how to make fabric look heavy, how to create a face out of shadow, how to make light feel warm and golden.

Master’s studies are still one of the fastest ways to level up a specific skill. Choose a work that does something you can’t do yet. A painting with hands, the artist’s nemesis, drapery with texture. Copy it as closely as you can, and then analyze. Maybe you will even have a Mona Lisa of your own.

The Art Institute of Chicago’s public domain collection gives you access to thousands of works across centuries, movements, and media. You’re not limited to paintings; the collection includes sculpture, textiles, printmaking, and photography.

Our Museum Art Explorer connects directly to the Art Institute of Chicago’s archives, giving you access to thousands of masterpieces.

If you would prefer a quick photo prompt instead, one can be found here. It features image photos.