The Salon des Refusés

The Salon des Refusés was an exhibition held in 1863 in Paris for artworks rejected by the official Paris Salon, which was the primary art show of the time. When many artists, notably Impressionists like Monet and Degas, were refused entry, they organized their own exhibition outside the mainstream. This event challenged traditional standards and showcased innovative, avant-garde styles that later gained widespread recognition. The Salon des Refusés played a significant role in highlighting artistic experimentation and shifting perceptions of artistic value and legitimacy in the 19th century.