Bashkirtseff
Orig | CZ

Salon (Paris Salon)

Moderate Aktualizováno: 2025-12-06

Research Status: Moderate Last Updated: 2025-12-06 Diary Coverage: Up to 1882-05-01

Overview

The Paris Salon was the official annual art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. It was the most prestigious art event in France and the Western world during the 19th century, determining artistic reputation and commercial success.

Historical Background

Schedule and Format

  • Opening: Usually May 1st (the "vernissage" or varnishing day)
  • Duration: Approximately 6 weeks
  • Location: Various venues over time, including the Palais de l'Industrie

Evolution

  • Origins: Began in 1667 under Louis XIV
  • 1881 reform: Management transferred to the Société des Artistes Français
  • 1882: First year under new management; also founding of Union des femmes peintres et sculpteurs
  • Competition: Rise of alternative exhibitions (Impressionist shows, independent salons)

Social Dimension

The vernissage was a major social event:
  • Artists, critics, collectors mingled
  • Subject matter for caricaturists (Daumier)
  • Two visits typical: morning for serious viewing, afternoon for social display

Significance for Marie

The Salon was central to Marie's artistic ambitions:

Professional Goals

  • Exhibition: Primary venue to display and sell work
  • Recognition: Only route to official artistic validation
  • Competition: Measured herself against other artists (especially rivals like Breslau)

Social Opportunity

  • Networking: Met fellow artists (Bastien-Lepage, Carolus-Duran)
  • Display: Showed herself in elegant dress ("charmante en gris")
  • Assessment: Evaluated other artists' work and reception

1882 Salon

Marie's entries from April 30-May 1, 1882 describe:
  • Vernissage attendance with Villevieille, Alice, and Webb (April 30)
  • Rival Breslau's painting poorly placed ("tout en haut")
  • Conversations with Julian, Carolus-Duran, Bastien-Lepage
  • Her own artistic crisis ("je suis noyée")
  • Return visit with maman and Dina (social display)

References in Diary

  • April 30, 1882: Vernissage - first viewing day
  • May 1, 1882: Second visit, conversations with Bastien and Carolus-Duran
  • Multiple mentions throughout diaries regarding preparation, anxiety, and results

Related Entries

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