Insight

When art became accessible

In the 19th century, art became more accessible to the masses, fueled by the rise of the middle class, technological advancements, and shifts in subject matter. Today, platforms like Lucydream Art continue to democratize art, making it available to a global audience.

Author: lucydream art

Published: August 30, 2024

Art began to reach the mass market during the 19th century, particularly with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the middle class in Europe. Before this period, art was largely commissioned by the elite—aristocrats, the church, and royalty—who could afford to commission painters, sculptors, and other artists to create pieces that adorned palaces, churches, and grand estates.

One of the major shifts occurred in Paris in the mid-19th century with the rise of the "Salon des Refusés," where artworks rejected by the official Academy exhibitions could be displayed. This event marked the democratization of art and opened up more opportunities for artists who were no longer exclusively tied to patrons. Around the same time, artists like the Impressionists began painting everyday life, which resonated with a broader audience. This shift from religious and historical themes to more accessible subjects also helped art connect with a larger group of people.

Additionally, technological advancements in printmaking, lithography, and photography allowed for art to be reproduced more cheaply and widely distributed. This led to more affordable options for people to buy prints or posters for their homes, making art accessible to the growing middle class. Paris was at the center of this artistic revolution, but it spread across Europe and to the United States.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the growth of department stores, galleries, and exhibitions, art began to be marketed more broadly. The Bauhaus movement in Germany also played a key role in integrating art with everyday objects, emphasizing that art could be functional and part of daily life. Art was no longer just for the elite—it was something that could enrich the homes of many, regardless of social status.

Today, art and decorations in the home have become an essential aspect of personal expression, and this trend has been greatly amplified by digital platforms such as LucyDream Art and global marketplaces, making art even more accessible to a mass audience.