The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Academy of France at Rome

ACADEMY OF FRANCE AT ROME, an institution for the advanced study of the fine arts in Rome, Italy; founded by Colbert in 1666, during the reign of Louis XIV. It was at first established in the ruined villa Mancini on the Corso, and in 1803 at the villa Medicis. The young artists, painters, sculptors, architects, engravers and musicians who secure the annual prizes of the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris spend four years there, with an annual pension of 3,500 francs and traveling expenses.