The Société des artistes français was a collective of French artists founded in the 19th century, primarily known for organizing the annual Salon exhibitions in Paris. This institution played a pivotal role in the promotion and critique of contemporary art, providing a platform for artists to showcase their works to the public and critics alike. The Salon exhibitions became a significant cultural event, attracting attention from both the art community and the general populace, and were instrumental in shaping the careers of many artists.