A Life Class at St Martin's Lane Academy

A Life Class at St Martin's Lane Academy from 1761 documents the art school where many of Britain's leading painters trained before the establishment of the Royal Academy. This early work by Zoffany records the educational institution that was central to the development of British art in the mid-eighteenth century. 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 documents the academy's working methods with characteristic precision, showing students drawing from a live model in the candlelit studio environment.