Like the first Italian Accademie, the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture founded in 1648 wasted no time in setting up a permanent exhibition. The latter, opened to the public early in the 18^th century, soon became the art world's favourite rendez-vous point and a highlight of Parisian life.
The Salon's history helps us to understand how the various artistic movements evolved, what factors shaped public taste and how art criticism originated and developed. We also witness the successive rebellions of the most innovative artists against the Salon's selection commitee, which led to the closing of its doors in 1881.
Ultimately, in relating the turbulent history of the Salon, the author provides a vantage point for us to observe and analyse the history of plastic arts in France over a period of two centuries.

Writer, historian and art critic Gérard-Georges Lemaire, who directs the collection « Les derniers mots » for publisher Christian Bourgois, is the Literary Editor of Verso Arts et Lettres magazine. He has also written one novel and numerous essays.