Salon des refusés

Definition

The salon des refusés, or 'exhibition of rejects,' was an alternative art exhibition held in Paris in 1863 to showcase works that had been rejected from the official Salon. This event was significant as it highlighted the tension between traditional artistic conventions and the emerging modernist movements, providing a platform for artists to express their innovative styles. It is particularly noted for featuring works by prominent figures who would later become key players in the evolution of modern art, reflecting the shifting perceptions of beauty and artistic value.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The salon des refusés was established in response to the controversy surrounding the official Salon of 1863, where many innovative works were rejected.
2. Notable artists who exhibited their work at the salon des refusés included Édouard Manet, whose painting 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe' shocked audiences.
3. The salon played a crucial role in introducing Impressionism and other avant-garde styles to the public, challenging traditional notions of what constituted fine art.
4. The term 'salon des refusés' has come to symbolize the struggle of artists against institutional constraints and the importance of alternative spaces for creative expression.
5. This exhibition laid the groundwork for future movements that embraced radical new ideas about art, contributing to the broader evolution of modern art throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Review Questions

• How did the salon des refusés influence artists like Edgar Degas and Claude Monet in their artistic practices?
  • The salon des refusés provided a critical platform for artists like Edgar Degas and Claude Monet to showcase their innovative works outside the confines of traditional artistic standards. By exhibiting their pieces alongside other rejected works, they gained visibility and support from audiences who appreciated their new approaches to light, color, and subject matter. This event marked a turning point for these artists as it encouraged them to push boundaries further, ultimately leading to the establishment of Impressionism as a recognized movement.
• Discuss how the salon des refusés served as a precursor to the acceptance of modernist movements in art.
  • The salon des refusés challenged the rigid criteria set by the official Salon, showcasing artworks that deviated from conventional styles. This defiance opened up discussions about artistic value and paved the way for modernist movements that followed. The acceptance of alternative exhibitions demonstrated a growing willingness among audiences and critics to embrace innovative ideas, ultimately leading to wider acceptance of avant-garde styles like Impressionism and later movements like Fauvism and Cubism.
• Evaluate the impact of the salon des refusés on contemporary art exhibitions and how it reflects ongoing tensions between traditional and modern artistic expressions.
  • The salon des refusés has had a lasting impact on contemporary art exhibitions by emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in showcasing artistic expressions. It reflects ongoing tensions between traditional standards upheld by established institutions and the innovative spirit found within modern art. Today, alternative spaces continue to emerge alongside traditional galleries, allowing underrepresented voices and experimental works to gain exposure. The legacy of the salon des refusés highlights how challenging norms can foster artistic growth and change perceptions about what constitutes valuable art.

Related terms

Impressionism:

A revolutionary art movement that began in the late 19th century, characterized by loose brushwork, emphasis on light, and capturing moments in time.

Realism: An artistic movement that sought to represent subjects as they were, focusing on everyday life and ordinary people rather than idealized forms.

Salon: The official annual exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, which showcased artworks deemed worthy by a jury and had a major influence on artistic careers.