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Oh, one more thing (I hadn't properly read the first part of your post). I imagine the types of paintings referred to in your class were not all portraits, right? The 19th century French academy was renowned for its rigorous training regimen, which David helped to establish. Among other things, its intent was to teach students how to work up elaborate "history" paintings from sketches and studies and models. This was an especially useful craft when you had to depict events from long ago, or mythical/religious themes.
Sadly, it's a bit of a lost art today.
Best.
Juan
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