Academie de france a rome french academyrome

Known as The French Academy in Rome, it was founded in 1666 as a branch of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture by Louis XIV. During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, it was the coveted place of study for painting, sculpture, and architecture students from France who won the Prix de Rome or Rome Prize (see Glossary). The study period was 3 to 5 years. The idea was that being in Rome gave them the opportunity to study treasures of Antiquity and the Renaissance, and in turn to use their knowledge to perpetuate those styles in Paris. These programs were interrupted by World War II, and French cultural entities lost control of the property, and enrollment expanded beyond French boundaries and to many artistic fields including music. Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Academy_in_Rome