Salon (gathering)

A salon is a gathering of stimulating people of quality under the roof of an inspiring host or hostess, partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation and readings, often consciously following Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, "to please and educate" (aut delectare aut prodesse est). The salons, commonly associated with French literary and philosophical salons of the 17th century and 18th century, were carried on until quite recently in urban settings among like-minded people of a 'set': many 20th-century salons could be instanced.

Other uses of the word

:Main article: Paris Salon.

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The word salon also refers to art exhibitions. The Paris Salon was originally an officially-sanctioned exhibit of recent works of painting and sculpture by members of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture, starting in 1673 and soon moving from the Salon Carré of the Palace of the Louvre.

Related Topics:
Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture - 1673 - Salon Carré - Palace of the Louvre

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The name salon remained, even when other quarters were found and the exhibits' irregular intervals became biennial. A jury system of selection was introduced in 1748, and the salon remained a major annual event even after the government withdrew official sponsorship in 1881.

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See also: French art salons and academies, Paris Salon, Salon des Refusés, Salon d'Automne, Salon des Indépendants

Related Topics:
French art salons and academies - Paris Salon - Salon des Refusés - Salon d'Automne - Salon des Indépendants

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