Prix De Rome
a prize given by the French Government to a number of painters, sculptors, architects, engravers and musicians. Founded by Louis XIV. in 1866, its purpose was to educate young painters and sculptors at Rome at the expense of the government. Napoleon enlarged the prize and made it open to musicians and architects, in addition to painters and sculptors. At present the winner of the scholarship is selected from a group of 10 which have passed the rigid examinations in their respective fields. The winner is supported by the French Government for four years while Académie de France at Rome. The prize is awarded every year to painters, sculptors, musicians, and architects, and every two or three years to artists in other fields. The award is made by giving the 10 selected artists three months to prepare a specimen of their work, which is then judged by the Académie des Beaux- Arts. Specimens of the work of the artists in Rome holding the prize are exhibited in Paris every year to show the progress of the scholars.