École des Beaux-Arts
Founded in 1648, Beaux-Arts de Paris, or more formally, École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts, stands as one of the world's most prestigious art institutions in the world. Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this historic school has shaped generations of artists, architects, and visionaries, from Charles Le Brun to Gustave Moreau (look at our Alumni examples below for more). Today, it provides comprehensive education in painting, sculpture, digital media, and more, blending classical techniques with contemporary innovation. The campus itself, boasts an extensive collection of 450,000 works, including masterpieces by Poussin and Michelangelo. Through its exhibitions, workshops, and faculty of internationally acclaimed artists, Beaux-Arts de Paris continues to cultivate creativity and define the future of art.
past Students
Gustave Moreau (1826-1898) was a French symbolist painter whose work delved into the mythological, the fantastical, and the dreamlike. His paintings, rich in intricate detail and vibrant color, explore themes of mythology, spirituality, and the subconscious. Known for pieces like Jupiter and Semele and The Apparition, Moreau's art blends classical references with a visionary, surreal quality. His symbolic and personal approach set him apart from his contemporaries, paving the way for later movements like Surrealism with artists like Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst drawing inspiration from him. He was a key figure in shaping the broader Symbolist movement, which spanned literature, music, and theater. His teaching at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris further cemented his legacy.
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a French painter, sculptor, and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Known for his use of vibrant color and innovative compositions, Matisse was a key figure in the Fauvism movement, where bold, non-naturalistic color choices were central to his work. Over his career, Matisse evolved from intricate, decorative works to simpler forms, using color and shape to convey emotion and expression. His cut-outs, made in his later years, are celebrated for their dynamic simplicity and have had a profound impact on modern art. Though Matisse never actually graduated and is thus not technically an alumni, he studied there and was trained under Gustave Moreau.
Edgar Degas (1834-1917) work, which spans painting, sculpture, and pastels, captures the energy and complexity of everyday scenes, from horse races to ballet dancers (though mostly known for the latter). Known for masterpieces like La Classe de danse and Petite danseuse de 14 ans, Degas’s focus on the human form and its dynamic movement revolutionized artistic expression. While often associated with Impressionism, Degas rejected this label, considering himself a realist and an independent artist. His provocative exploration of contemporary life, along with his keen eye for detail and mastery of light and shadow, solidified his place as a key figure in the evolution of modern art.
Current students
As selected by EYTE.
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