Benacian Academy style

The Benacian Academy style refers to the official artistic movement and set of principles that governed painting, sculpture, and other visual arts within the Benacian Union from the late 17th century after Norton onwards. It blended elements of Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Neo-Babkhan Orientalism, and Humanist Realism into a distinctive aesthetic idiom. Conformity with the style in the Benacian art world was, after 1724 AN, maintained by the Chrysean Academy of Fine Arts

Neoclassical Influences

From Neoclassicism, the Benacian Academy style drew inspiration from the Apollonian antiquity of Micras. This is evident in the emphasis on classical subjects from mythology and history, the pursuit of ideal forms with smooth lines and shapes, and the adherence to strict conventions of proportion, symmetry and order. Friezes, columns and pediments featuring figures in classical dress and poses adorned many Benacian public buildings and monuments.

Romantic Qualities

The movement incorporated aspects of Romanticism as well, such as a reverence for nature as a spiritual force, vivid uses of colour and light to stir emotions, and a focus on the sublime, heroic and nationalist themes that affirmed Benacian ideals. Romantic landscape painting depicting idyllic pastoral scenes or dramatic wilderness vistas were immensely popular.

Neo-Babkhan Orientalism

A defining Benacian characteristic was the conscious adoption of Neo-Babkhan Orientalist aesthetics and motifs, reflecting the cultural exchange between Benacia and the realms of the former Babkhan empire, such as Constancia, the Suren Confederacy, ans Zeed. This manifested in geometric patterns, calligraphic flourishes, and stylised portrayals of idealised Euran subjects integrated into artworks.

Humanist Realism

Central to the Academy style was Humanist Realism, which glorified the meritorious Benacian subject through straightforward, exactingly detailed depictions in both portraiture and genre scenes. Commoners engaged in factories, farms or workshops were captured with an air of humble nobility, celebrating productivity and service to the Union-State.

The mastery of academic techniques like perspective, anatomy studies, sensitive handling of colour and light were accordingly paramount.