The Salon des Refusés was an art exhibition held in Paris in 1863 to showcase works rejected by the official Salon, the annual exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The event was initiated by Emperor Napoleon III after he received complaints about the number of rejected artworks, allowing artists to display their creations to the public. This exhibition featured notable artists such as Édouard Manet and Camille Pissarro, who later became influential figures in the Impressionist movement. The Salon des Refusés challenged traditional artistic standards and opened the door for modern art, encouraging greater acceptance of diverse styles and expressions.