In 1887, the Bulgarian Prince held a conversation with the artist Ivan Angeloff, who had organized an exhibition of his works in the Prince’s honor. During this meeting, the Prince expressed his willingness to place a future School of Arts under his personal patronage. However, he made it clear that this could happen only if the idea of opening such a school was accepted by both the government and the Bulgarian people.
This statement marked an important first step toward the creation of a national institution for art education in Bulgaria.
The Role of Ivan Angeloff and Constantin Velichkov
Ivan Angeloff shared the Prince’s words with Constantin Velichkov, a well-known Bulgarian writer, politician, and artist. At that time, Velichkov was living in Rome as a political exile. Angeloff believed that Velichkov’s influence and experience would be essential in turning the Prince’s idea into reality Customized Private Turkey Tours.
In 1894, Velichkov returned to Bulgaria. Shortly afterward, he became Minister of Public Instruction and was also named honorary president of the Society for the Encouragement of Fine Art in Bulgaria. These positions allowed him to actively support the establishment of a state art school.
Preparing the School of Painting
Meanwhile, the president of the Society, Dr. Shishmanov, along with two members, Ivan Markvichka and Anton Mitov, had already begun studying the practical aspects of opening a school of painting. They examined educational models and artistic needs and then requested the cooperation of the new minister.
With united efforts, their plans moved forward. In 1895, the National Assembly passed a law creating a State School of Painting in Sofia. The school officially opened in October 1896.
Aims and Educational Program
The purpose of the school was broad and practical. It aimed to train three main groups:
first, students of fine and plastic arts;
second, teachers of painting, drawing, calligraphy, and manual work for secondary and special schools;
and third, artists for various art industries such as icon painting, wood carving, decorative arts, ceramics, weaving, and goldsmith work.
Subjects and Students
During the academic year 1905–1906, the school offered many subjects. These included drawing from plaster models, drawing from nature, painting, sculpture, decorative arts, wood carving, weaving, lace making, ceramics, and lithography. Students also studied art history, perspective, anatomy, and architecture.
In that same year, the State School of Painting had 126 students, including 100 men and 26 women, showing its growing importance in Bulgarian cultural life.