INTRODUCTION

Western art education continues to be influenced by Greek attitudes towards the arts and their place in education. During the time of antiquity, the arts were valued as an important part of culture but were not seen as a major component in the education of young aristocrats. Instead, artists were trained in family workshops through an apprenticeship system.

During the Classical era, a large scale patronage system flourished. By Hellenistic times, collecting art was an established practice. Drawing classes were a major component in education; however, when the Romans took charge, art was not deemed as important as it once was.