Who Has the Right?

In the 1800's, there was a new fad sweeping through the cities of France. Artists picked up their brushes and easels and flocked to the countryside, where they spent days observing the beauty of nature and trying to capture it in their work. These artists would soon be the cause for an entirely new and different way of painting: Realism.

Up until this time period, artists painted historical events or classical themes. The idea of painting what you see in front of you--instead of what has been known to happen--was a new concept. It was also a concept that many people in the art world frowned upon. Artists such as Theodore Rousseau and Charles Daubigny were not allowed to exhibit their work in the French Salon, as decided by the jury who ran it.

Realism was an important step in the development of art as we know it. Not only was it important an beautiful in its own right, but it also brought about Impressionism. Such artists as Claude Monet were part of this movement--and were kept out of the Salon. These new forms of artwork were deemed by the jury as unacceptable.

Hundreds of years later, we appreciate the works of the realists and impressionists. There are very few people, after all, who have not heard of Monet. However, during the time period in which this was all taking place, these artists could not display their works.

My question to you all is this, Who has the right to determine what is or is not art, and who should decide what works are displayed in museums, galleries, etc?