Art galleries are already a mainstay of contemporary culture, but when did this happen? The 19th century holds the key since it saw a change in how people viewed and consumed art due to the middle class’s ascent and the democratization of the arts.
Prior to the 19th century, most rich patrons commissioned art, which was then exhibited in their homes or at places of worship. Art was not widely available to the public, and shows were infrequent. However, the Industrial Revolution ushered in a new period of affluence and marked the beginning of the middle class’s emergence as a major cultural force. With their increased affluence and free time, people started looking for artistic experiences.
Artists also started experimenting with novel forms and aesthetics, departing from conventional academic conventions. For instance, the Impressionist movement encouraged subjectivity and passion while rejecting the rigid requirements of realism. The need for exhibition places where artists could display their work and the public could visit to see it was sparked by these new artistic movements.
As a result, art galleries emerged. In London, the Dulwich Picture Gallery opened as the city’s first public art gallery in 1817, and the National Gallery followed in 1824. These galleries were intended to display the works of the Old Masters, but shortly after they opened, independent galleries that featured contemporary art joined them. There are tens of thousands of art galleries in existence today, ranging from modest independent establishments to huge organizations like New York’s Museum of Modern Art. They are essential to the realm of art because they give artists a place to show their work and a way for the audience to interact with it.
A synonym for an art gallery is a “art museum.” Despite the fact that the two names are frequently used interchangeably, they have a slight distinction. While art museums are primarily concerned with maintaining and showing art for educational purposes, art galleries traditionally concentrate on selling art. The distinction between the two, however, is frequently hazy, and many organizations serve as both galleries and museums.
In conclusion, the 19th century saw the rise of the middle class and the emergence of new artistic movements, which resulted in a demand for exhibition places. Today, art galleries are still thriving as important cultural organizations that give everyone access to art.