The Antique Room of the Royal Academy at New Somerset House

The Antique Room of the Royal Academy at New Somerset House from 1780 documents the cast gallery where Royal Academy students studied classical sculpture. This important painting records the educational practices of the institution that Zoffany helped establish as one of its founding members in 1768. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays meticulous detail in costume and setting, warm intimate lighting, vivid individual characterization that preserves the energy of live performance.

The interior scene combines careful architectural rendering with the detailed depiction of classical casts, creating a documentary record of the Academy's teaching environment.