Salon des refusés

Definition

The salon des refusés, or 'exhibition of rejects,' was an alternative art exhibition held in Paris in 1863, showcasing works that were rejected from the official Salon. This event highlighted the emerging artistic movements that deviated from traditional standards, paving the way for modern art and allowing artists like those in the Impressionist movement to gain visibility and recognition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The salon des refusés was organized after a significant number of artists protested the rejection of their works from the official Salon, which was tightly controlled by academic standards.
2. One of the most famous paintings showcased at the salon des refusés was Édouard Manet's 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe,' which caused a scandal due to its unconventional composition and subject matter.
3. The salon des refusés played a crucial role in promoting avant-garde artists, giving them a platform to present their work outside of traditional artistic norms.
4. The event contributed to a shift in public perception towards modern art, challenging audiences to reconsider their definitions of beauty and artistic value.
5. The success of the salon des refusés encouraged other alternative exhibitions to emerge, fostering an environment for innovation and experimentation within the art world.

Review Questions

• How did the salon des refusés reflect the changing attitudes toward art and artists in 19th-century France?
  • The salon des refusés represented a significant shift in attitudes toward art by challenging the rigid standards set by the official Salon. It provided a platform for artists who were previously marginalized and rejected due to their unconventional styles. This acceptance of alternative perspectives paved the way for movements like Impressionism, highlighting how public interest in diverse artistic expressions was growing during this period.
• In what ways did artists such as Manet use their participation in the salon des refusés to influence perceptions of modern art?
  • Artists like Édouard Manet utilized the salon des refusés as a means to confront traditional artistic values and provoke discussions around contemporary themes. By showcasing works that defied convention, Manet and his contemporaries encouraged audiences to rethink their definitions of art, ultimately reshaping public taste and influencing future generations of artists to embrace modern techniques and subjects.
• Evaluate the impact of the salon des refusés on the development of Impressionism and subsequent modern art movements.
  • The salon des refusés had a profound impact on the development of Impressionism and subsequent modern art movements by validating new artistic approaches that were previously dismissed. It served as a catalyst for change, fostering an environment where innovative ideas could flourish outside established norms. The exposure gained at this exhibition helped legitimize Impressionist artists, ultimately leading to broader acceptance of modern art styles that would define the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Related terms

Impressionism: A 19th-century art movement that sought to capture light and its changing qualities, often focusing on everyday subjects and scenes of modern life.

Édouard Manet: A pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, known for his bold brushwork and controversial subjects, who exhibited at the salon des refusés.

Salon: An official annual exhibition of art held by the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, which set the standard for accepted works in the 19th century.