Salon des refusés

Definition

The salon des refusés, or 'exhibition of rejects,' was an exhibition held in Paris in 1863 to showcase works that had been rejected by the traditional Salon. This event marked a significant turning point in the art world, highlighting the tension between established artistic conventions and the emerging modernist movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The salon des refusés was established by Emperor Napoleon III after artists protested against the rejection of their works at the official Salon, leading to its creation as an alternative venue.
2. This exhibition included notable works from artists such as Édouard Manet, whose painting 'Déjeuner sur l'herbe' caused significant controversy and challenged traditional artistic standards.
3. The salon des refusés helped pave the way for future avant-garde exhibitions and movements by providing a platform for artists whose works did not conform to conventional tastes.
4. The event demonstrated the growing divide between traditional academic art and the emerging styles that sought to reflect contemporary life and express individual vision.
5. After its initial success in 1863, the salon des refusés became a significant influence on the development of Impressionism and later modern art movements.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the salon des refusés reflect the changing attitudes towards art during the 19th century?
  • The establishment of the salon des refusés highlighted a shift in attitudes towards artistic expression by providing a space for works that were rejected by the traditional Salon. This event showed that there was a growing acceptance of new styles and ideas that deviated from established norms. Artists were increasingly advocating for their right to display their work, emphasizing individuality and contemporary themes, which set the stage for further movements like Impressionism.
• Discuss the impact of the salon des refusés on Impressionist artists and their approach to painting.
  • The salon des refusés significantly impacted Impressionist artists by validating their innovative approaches to light, color, and composition. By exhibiting works that defied traditional standards, it encouraged artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir to continue exploring unconventional techniques. The exposure they gained helped shift public perception about what constituted legitimate art, fostering an environment where Impressionism could thrive and evolve into a dominant movement.
• Evaluate how the salon des refusés contributed to broader movements in modern art beyond Impressionism.
  • The salon des refusés served as a catalyst for broader modern art movements by challenging existing norms and encouraging artists to explore new forms of expression. Its creation demonstrated that there was an audience for innovative artwork that did not conform to academic standards. This opened doors for future avant-garde movements, including Post-Impressionism and Fauvism, as artists continued to push boundaries and redefine artistic practices based on individual vision rather than adherence to tradition.

Related terms

Salon: The official annual exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, which was the primary venue for artists to display their works and gain recognition during the 19th century.

Impressionism:

An art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on light, color, and the depiction of everyday life through loose brushwork and an emphasis on capturing fleeting moments.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, embracing new ideas and forms in art, literature, and architecture, often rejecting traditional aesthetics and conventions.