The original notion of Master in the field of visual arts did indeed stem from the guilds, particularly the Guild of St. Luke. These operated much like trade unions today where one had to serve an apprenticeship, etc., and to acquire knowledge, performance skill, and eventual recognition as a "master" by other guild masters upon creating a "masterpiece". With that, the new master could open his own studio, take in new apprentices to train and seek commissions. They system encouraged continuation of approved methods and styles, usually those of one's master, with subtle improvements made buy the most ambitious students. In this context we are reminded of Leonardo's famous dictum: "He is a poor student who does not improve upon his master". Interestin gly, the Guild of St. Luke was also the guild of the Barber-Surgeons who had control of artist's pigments and oils, etc. as well as medical practices. That's how artists and "surgeons" of the early Ren. got together to perform dissections and thus initiate the modern knowledge of human anatomy. The concept of "old masters" stems from later State Academy culture, before the 19C, when students were admonished to "Imitate" the "old" masters.
There are extant contracts for a master taking on apprentices. Some actually took charge of a youngster's life, from about aged 10-12, promising to teach him how to read and write, count, behave, attain social graces, as well as the killed trade that might, might, lead to eventual master status. Most artists remained just that, always in the employ of others, never getting Guild approval to open their own master studios. WC --- Derek Allan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Re: 'I believe the term comes from masters of the > guilds, before the idea of > visual artist became > prominent.' > > No it's a 19th century creation. Brought about by > academic painters who > felt they had 'finally' discovered the secret of > painting (ie by using a > 'photographic' style - See eg Bougueureau.) Earlier > painters - Titian, > Raphael etc - could not be dismissed - they were too > well respected. So they > became the 'Old masters'. > > DA > > On Mon, Apr 21, 2008 at 7:57 PM, Allan Sutherland > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > > > On 21/4/08 15:34, "Derek Allan" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > > 'Old Masters' in visual art > > > > Old masters are not young masters in the visual > arts. But the source does > > relate to something or other, and is not without > merit. I believe the term > > comes from masters of the guilds, before the idea > of visual artist became > > prominent. > > > > In jazz there is no concept of an old master, > instead people spoke of > > professors of jazz from the outset in the early > 20th century; the title > > referring to a level of musical knowledge and > virtuosic skill. > > > > Toodle-pip. > > > > Allan. > > > > > > > -- > Derek Allan > http://www.home.netspeed.com.au/derek.allan/default.htm
