Arts, Music, and Recreation Visual Arts The Hierarchy of Genres Share Flipboard Email Print Visual Arts Art Art History Arts & Crafts Architecture Comic Books Anime & Manga by Beth Gersh-Nesic Beth S. Gersh-Nesic, Ph.D. is the founder and director of the New York Arts Exchange who lectures, teaches, and writes about art history. Updated March 08, 2017 Back in the heyday of the Academy system, artists used to have an official list detailing which types of paintings were more important than others. 01 of 06 History Painting Agnolo Bronzino (Italian, 1503-1572). An Allegory with Venus and Cupid, ca. 1545. Oil on wood. 146.1 x 116.2 cm (57 1/2 x 45 3/4 in.). Purchased 1860. NG651. National Gallery, London. Agnolo Bronzino (Italian, 1503-1572). An Allegory with Venus and Cupid, ca. 1545. 02 of 06 Portraiture Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755–1828). George Washington (the Lansdowne portrait), 1796. Oil on canvas. 97 1/2 x 62 1/2 in. (247.6 x 158.7 cm). Acquired as a gift to the nation through the generosity of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755–1828). George Washington (the Lansdowne portrait), 1796. à la bosse 03 of 06 Genre Painting Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632-1675). The Milkmaid, ca. 1658. Oil on canvas. 17 7/8 x 16 1/8 in. (45.5 x 41 cm). SK-A-2344. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632-1675). The Milkmaid, ca. 1658. 04 of 06 Landscape Painting Jacob van Ruisdael (Dutch, 1628/29-1682). Landscape with a Mill-run and Ruins, ca. 1653. Oil on canvas. 59.3 x 66.1 cm (23 5/16 x 26 in.). Jacob van Ruisdael (Dutch, 1628/29-1682). Landscape with a Mill-run and Ruins, ca. 1653. Landscape Painting 05 of 06 Animal Painting George Stubbs (English, 1724-1806). The Prince of Wales's Phaeton, 1793. Oil on canvas. 102.2 x 128.3 cm (40 3/16 x 50 1/2 in.). Painted for George IV. George Stubbs (English, 1724-1806). The Prince of Wales's Phaeton, 1793. However, it would be a mistake to think that Animal Painters weren't admired, valued and made fantastic commissions. The patrons who eagerly sought their services were royal, noble and incredibly wealthy. What better way to tout one's ownership of a thoroughbred racehorse or prized bull than by showing off a portrait? 06 of 06 Still Lifes Blaise-Alexandre Desgoffe (French 1830-1901). Still Life with Fruit, Glass of Wine, 1863. Oil on panel. 21 1/4 x 24 in. (54 x 61 cm). 1996.3. Dahesh Museum of Art. Blaise-Alexandre Desgoffe (French 1830-1901). Still Life with Fruit, Glass of Wine, 1863. Still Lifes Continue Reading