What is Fine Art? Definition, History and Examples

Fine art is a term that may conjure images of elaborate Renaissance-style paintings - the Mona Lisa and the Sistine Chapel. But what makes something fine art? Can anything be fine art? Find out the definition of fine art here. Read on for the definition of fine art, how it has evolved, and some examples of popular fine artists.

Fine Art: A Description

Fine art is a type of visual art. What differentiates fine art from other art forms is that it is created primarily for aesthetic enjoyment and beauty.

Fine art is not created to serve any other purpose than to look good and evoke thought and conversation. However, in recent years, the term has extended to include other mediums, such as photography and printmaking. Here are some simple definitions of fine art:

• Art for Art's Sake
• Expression of Human Consciousness
• Aesthetic and Intellectual Purposes

For a more official definition, Merriam-Webster defines fine art as: Art (such as painting, sculpture, or music) concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects – usually used in plural. And Cambridge Dictionary defines fine art as: Drawings, paintings, and sculptures that are admired for their beauty and have no practical use.

Ultimately, fine art can be described as a focus on beauty and expression that evokes thought and feelings, with no practical considerations.

The History of Fine Art

Now you have an understanding of what fine art is, let’s explore the history of fine art, from the very first time the term was used to how the concept of fine art has evolved over the years.

Origins

The concept of fine art started to take shape during the 16th-century Renaissance. However, it cemented in the 18th century. One of the first people to define 'fine art' was Charles Batteux, a French philosopher.

He used the term in "Les Beaux-Arts réduits à un même Principe", 1746. This book is historically significant as it outlines the first explicit definition of the fine arts and their unifying principle.

Evolution

19th Century - the idea of 'art for art's sake' (l'art pour l'art) became prominent. This term is attributed to Victor Cousin and Théophile Gautier. Gautier famously stated that nothing is really beautiful unless it is useless.

Art was produced simply to look good, without worrying about underlying purposes. During this time, various art movements emerged, including Impressionism.

These art movements were influenced by societal changes and the rise of technology, as well as the Industrial Revolution. Here are some more fine art movements from the 19th century:

• Neoclassicism
• Romanticism
• Realism
• Post-Impressionism
• Art Nouveau

20th Century - Fine art continued growing and breaking boundaries. The rise of new media, such as photography and film saw fine art becoming more inclusive. The 20th century was a transformative time for fine art, with many fine art movements such as:

• Fauvism
• Expressionism
• Cubism
• Futurism
• Surrealism
• Pop Art
• Minamism
• Conceptual Art

Fine Art Today

Today, the lines between fine art and other forms of art aren't as clear. The rise of technology introduced digital art – from NFTs to 3D sculpting, expanding the previously established boundaries of what constitutes fine art.

Art, for one, has become more accessible. More artists are able to produce masterpieces without expensive materials or formal artistic training.

The modern age has also changed the art investment scene – online platforms have opened up the art market for artists and art collectors alike. The fine art is still evolving – who knows what the future holds?

Iconic Fine Artists

Here are some iconic names that have made significant contributions to the fine art world and shaped the journey of fine art. From Renaissance-era Leonardo Da Vinci to Cubism pioneer Pablo Picasso, here are the most iconic fine artists:

Leonardo Da Vinci – Da Vinci is a prominent name from the Renaissance period. His most iconic works include the likes of ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’, blending art and science in his masterpieces.

Michelangelo – Michelangelo is also known for his contributions to the Renaissance, known for his painting, architecture and sculpture. His most iconic piece is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Vincent Van Gogh – Post-impressionist painter Van Gogh is renowned for his distinctive brushwork and use of colour. He is most known for 'Starry Night' and 'Sunflowers'.

Pablo Picasso – Picasso is most well-known for his Cubism artwork - he ultimately redefined traditional form. His most notable works include 'Guernica' and 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon'.

Salvador Dali – Dali is one of the top names of the surrealist movement. His bizarre imagery challenged perceptions of reality. 'The Persistence of Memory', his most famous piece, perfectly epitomises the concept of surrealism.

Fine Art Investment

Fine art investment has also evolved over the years. The art market has become much more accessible in recent years - historically, only a select few had the funds, connections and knowledge to invest in artwork. However, today, you can invest in art in the click of a button.

You don't need to break the bank to invest in art - with Grove Gallery, you can invest with as little as £3,000. It is considered a reliable, stable long-term investment. Art typically holds its value over time, and as an alternative investment, it doesn't correlate with market fluctuations.

It can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and is something you can enjoy. Fine art investment provides a means to combine passion with profit.

If you're interested in beginning your art investment journey, download our investment guide today.