The Song Dynasty established an Imperial Academy of Art. Excellent artists all over the country gathered there to serve the court and were granted official titles according to their rankings. Gradually, the varied styles these artists brought with merged into a new, distinct but harmonious style. It emphasized a natural, descriptive portrayal of the physical world, especially flowers and birds, landscapes, court life and religious activities. The talented Emperor Huizong personally instructed the court artists in the style of realistic representation. Imperial Art Academy Paintings exercised great influence over the following generations.