Which school is noted as the first art school?

The Ecole des Beaux Arts is recognized as the first art school due to its influential role in shaping art education in Europe and beyond. Established in Paris in 1648, it became the model for many art institutions worldwide. The school's curriculum focused on the classical techniques of drawing, painting, and sculpture, emphasizing the importance of academic training and mastery of the visual arts.

The Ecole des Beaux Arts not only provided students with a rigorous education in technical skills but also instilled an understanding of art's historical and theoretical contexts. Its emphasis on competitions, like the prestigious Prix de Rome, encouraged students to develop their artistic abilities while engaging with classical ideals. This approach influenced the education of countless artists and architects in the 19th century and set standards that many other art schools would follow.

In contrast, while the Royal Academy and the Academy of Fine Arts sought to provide formal education in the arts, they were either established later or focused on different aspects of artistic training. Similarly, the School of Design may refer to various institutions but does not hold the same historical significance as the Ecole des Beaux Arts in the context of being the first art school.