Abstract: In 1853, Prosper Mérimée penned a surprising three-part account of the Salon, with the first two parts reflecting a traditional approach to the genre, while the last one breaks with the normal review of works to focus solely on the question of decorative arts. I will analyze the gaze that Mérimée casts on the art of his time and attempt to respond to the enigma posed by the unusual character of the final part.
