What Type of Art Did the Salon of Paris Value?

By Michael Ferguson

The Salon of Paris was an art exhibition that took place annually in Paris from 1667 to 1881. It was one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in the world, attracting artists from all over Europe and beyond.

To be accepted into the Salon was considered a great honor for any artist. However, not all types of art were valued equally by the Salon.

During the early years of the Salon, only works that depicted religious or historical subjects were considered acceptable. These works were often commissioned by the French government or wealthy patrons, and they were meant to celebrate and promote French culture and history.

In the 18th century, however, the Salon began to open up to other types of art. Works that depicted everyday life, landscapes, and portraits became more accepted.

However, these works still had to meet certain standards set by the Salon’s judges. They had to be realistic, technically proficient, and morally uplifting.

By the 19th century, the Salon had become more inclusive than ever before. The Romantic movement had ushered in a new era of art that valued emotion and individualism over traditional subject matter. Artists like Eugène Delacroix and Théodore Géricault began to create works that challenged traditional notions of beauty and propriety.

However, even during this period of increased freedom and experimentation, there were still limits to what types of art were valued by the Salon. Works that were too controversial or politically charged could still be rejected by the judges.

Overall, the Salon of Paris valued art that was technically proficient, morally uplifting, and celebrated French culture and history. While this may seem restrictive by today’s standards, it is important to remember that the Salon played a significant role in shaping European art during its heyday.