In this episode, we dive into the hierarchy of genres, a system that ranked art forms from still lifes to grand historical paintings, dominating the art world from the 17th to 19th centuries. We explore its origins in the French Academy, its human-centered focus, and the challenges it faced from reformers and artists like Ingres. As the strict rankings crumbled, new debates about value and originality emerged. Discover how this system shaped art history and how its echoes still influence how we judge and value art today.