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For centuries, artistic training involved studying the work of earlier artists. Painters learnt by analysing or copying art from previous generations. Some such as Rembrandt and Vigée Le Brun, shown here, presented themselves as heirs to the great painters they admired by directly emulating their work.

Many artists only knew important paintings through prints made after the original. However, some collected paintings: Van Dyck (1599–1641), Reynolds (1723–1792), and Degas (1834–1917) all owned works by their artistic heroes. Others advised patrons on creating painting collections.

The National Gallery was established in part as a resource for creativity. It remains an inspiration to contemporary artists and creatives, both through the Gallery's Associate Artist Scheme, and personal visits by professionals and amateurs alive.