Salon des refusés

Definition

The salon des refusés, or 'exhibition of rejected works,' was an exhibition held in Paris in 1863 to showcase artworks that had been rejected by the traditional Salon. This event became a significant moment for the Impressionist movement, as it provided a platform for artists whose works challenged conventional styles and norms. The exhibition was crucial in promoting the ideas of innovation and artistic freedom, which defined the Impressionist approach.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first salon des refusés took place in 1863, responding to widespread criticism of the strict selection process of the official Salon, which favored traditional academic art.
2. The exhibition featured around 3,000 works from artists who were typically excluded from the official Salon, making it a landmark event for avant-garde art.
3. Notable works shown included Édouard Manet's 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe' and 'Olympia', both of which caused considerable controversy and discussion.
4. The salon des refusés not only highlighted the emerging Impressionist movement but also served as a catalyst for other modern art movements by validating experimental styles.
5. Following its success, subsequent salons des refusés were held, paving the way for future alternative exhibitions that further promoted innovative artistic expressions.

Review Questions

• How did the salon des refusés influence the perception of Impressionism in the art world?
  • The salon des refusés played a crucial role in shaping how Impressionism was perceived by providing a space for artists to exhibit their works outside of traditional norms. This alternative exhibition challenged the standards set by the official Salon and showcased innovative approaches to painting. By featuring works that were initially rejected, it opened up conversations about what constituted 'good' art and helped legitimize the Impressionist movement as a significant force in modern art.
• Discuss the relationship between the salon des refusés and traditional Salon exhibitions in terms of artistic freedom.
  • The salon des refusés emerged as a direct response to the restrictive nature of traditional Salon exhibitions, which favored classical techniques and subjects. By showcasing rejected works, it provided artists with greater artistic freedom to explore new themes and techniques without adhering to established conventions. This juxtaposition highlighted the growing tension between traditional artistic values and the desire for innovation that characterized movements like Impressionism, thereby shifting public perception towards more modern interpretations of art.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the salon des refusés on future artistic movements beyond Impressionism.
  • The long-term impact of the salon des refusés extends beyond Impressionism, as it set a precedent for alternative exhibitions that embraced avant-garde art. By validating experimental works and encouraging artists to push boundaries, it inspired subsequent movements such as Post-Impressionism and Fauvism. This spirit of innovation became foundational for modern art, prompting ongoing dialogues about artistic merit and expanding opportunities for non-traditional artists to gain recognition in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

Related terms

Impressionism: An artistic movement that originated in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing light, color, and everyday scenes with loose brushwork and an emphasis on the perception of the moment.

Salon: A formal exhibition of art held annually in Paris, organized by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, where established artists displayed their work and where standards of academic art were set.

Édouard Manet: A pivotal French painter whose work is often associated with the transition from Realism to Impressionism; he was instrumental in the development of modern art and displayed at the salon des refusés.