Does the Paris Salon Still Exist?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Salon, also known as the Salon de Paris, was an annual art exhibition that took place in Paris during the 18th and 19th centuries. Established in 1667 by the French Academy of Painting and Sculpture, it quickly became the most prestigious art event in Europe, attracting artists from all over the world.

However, as time passed and new artistic movements emerged, the Salon underwent significant changes. In the mid-19th century, Realism and Impressionism challenged the traditional academic style that had dominated the Salon for centuries. Many artists who were rejected by the Salon started their own exhibitions, which eventually led to the birth of modern art.

So does the Paris Salon still exist today? The answer is no.

The last official Salon de Paris was held in 1940, just before France entered World War II. Since then, various attempts have been made to revive it under different names and organizations, but none have been able to recreate its former glory.

However, this does not mean that the spirit of the Salon has disappeared entirely. Today, there are numerous art exhibitions and fairs around the world that continue to showcase contemporary art in a similar manner to what was seen at the Salon. These events often serve as a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition and connect with potential buyers.

One such event is Art Basel, which was founded in Switzerland in 1970 and has since expanded to cities such as Miami Beach and Hong Kong. Another is Frieze Art Fair, which takes place annually in London and New York City. These events attract thousands of visitors every year and feature works by both established and up-and-coming artists.

In conclusion, while the original Paris Salon may no longer exist today, its impact on art history can still be felt through contemporary exhibitions around the world. As new artistic movements emerge and evolve over time, it is important to remember where they came from and how they have shaped the art world we know today.