Salon of the Royal Academy in Louvre

The Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, founded in 1648, was France’s leading art institution until 1793. Held in the Louvre, it oversaw artistic education, exhibitions, and royal commissions. The annual Salon exhibition began in 1663 and opened to the public in 1673, showcasing members’ works and influencing French art. The academy emphasized drawing, classical tradition, and the Prix de Rome , initially hosting exhibitions in a Louvre salon .