The Exhibitions of the Academy of San Fernando. Places and Practices of Artistic Knowledge and Sociability

Abstract

The celebration of temporary exhibitions in the Royal Academy of San Fernando throughout the second half of 18th century constituted a new place for fine art connoisseurship for the public. Visitors had the opportunity to discover the institution's art collection and treasures, as well as following the progress made by its professors, students and other amateurs interested in exhibiting their latest artworks. These exhibitions determined, at the same time, new forms of practicing and experiencing surrounding the perception of the artworks. This process came along with the promotion of an emergent art criticism in public opinion debates.