Academy of saint luke accademia di san luca

DEFINITION

Founded in 1577, it was an association of artists in Rome, Italy whose purpose was to elevate status of painters, sculptors and architects above 'mere' craftsmen. It was named for Saint Luke, the patron saint of painters' guilds, because he reportedly made a portrait of the Virgin Mary. From the late 16th century until the 20th century, the Academy was located in the Roman Forum, but now is in Palazzo Carpegna. The Academy has a collection of over 500 portraits because each member has been required to donate a work of art in perpetual memory as well as a portrait. Source: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accademia_di_San_Luca