Salon des refusés

Definition

The salon des refusés, or 'exhibition of rejected works,' was an art exhibition held in Paris in 1863 to showcase paintings that had been rejected by the official Salon. This event became a pivotal moment in the history of modern art, highlighting the tensions between traditional artistic standards and the emerging Impressionist movement. It provided a platform for artists who challenged established norms, allowing them to gain visibility and support from the public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The salon des refusés was established by Emperor Napoleon III after public outcry over the number of rejected works at the 1863 Salon, where only a fraction of submissions were accepted.
2. Artists such as Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Camille Pissarro exhibited their works in the salon des refusés, gaining exposure that significantly impacted their careers.
3. The exhibition featured controversial works that broke with traditional conventions, challenging viewers' expectations of what constituted 'acceptable' art.
4. The success of the salon des refusés set a precedent for future alternative exhibitions, fostering a more inclusive environment for artistic expression.
5. The event helped legitimize the Impressionist movement and other avant-garde styles, ultimately leading to a shift in how art was perceived and valued in society.

Review Questions

• How did the salon des refusés challenge traditional artistic standards and influence the perception of modern art?
  • The salon des refusés directly challenged traditional artistic standards by providing a venue for works that were deemed unacceptable by the official Salon. By showcasing these rejected pieces, it highlighted the growing divide between conventional art and new styles like Impressionism. This exhibition not only legitimized avant-garde approaches but also influenced public perception, encouraging viewers to embrace innovative artistic expressions that broke away from classical norms.
• Discuss the role of Emperor Napoleon III in the establishment of the salon des refusés and its significance in art history.
  • Emperor Napoleon III played a crucial role in the establishment of the salon des refusés after recognizing public dissatisfaction with the number of rejections at the 1863 Salon. By allowing rejected works to be displayed, he created an alternative space for artists and contributed to a more democratic approach to art exhibitions. This move not only marked a significant shift in how art was evaluated but also laid the groundwork for future movements that challenged existing artistic hierarchies, making it a landmark event in art history.
• Evaluate the impact of the salon des refusés on both artists and audiences during its time and its legacy in contemporary art exhibitions.
  • The impact of the salon des refusés on artists was profound; it provided them with an opportunity to showcase their work outside traditional constraints, fostering a sense of community among those pushing artistic boundaries. For audiences, it challenged preconceived notions about what constituted art and encouraged acceptance of new styles. Its legacy continues today through contemporary exhibitions that prioritize inclusivity and diverse artistic expressions, reminding us of the importance of providing platforms for unconventional voices in the arts.

Related terms

Impressionism: A 19th-century art movement characterized by its focus on capturing light, movement, and everyday subject matter through innovative techniques like loose brushwork and vibrant colors.

Salon: An official annual exhibition of art organized by the French government, which showcased works that adhered to traditional standards of painting and sculpture.

Édouard Manet: A pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, Manet's works often faced criticism but helped pave the way for modern art movements.