Crimean War
A war declared by Britain and France against Russia in 1854, concerned at Russia's expansion after it had sent troops into parts of the Ottoman Empire. Peace was negotiated in Paris in 1856 following the Franco-British victory at Sebastopol.
Franco-Prussian War
A war waged between France and the independent state of Prussia from July 1870 to May 1871. The French were defeated at several battles in the campaign. Northern Germany, dominated by Prussia from the late eighteenth century became united under the Prussian crown in 1871.
Légion d'Honneur
France's highest decorative order awarded for distinguished military or civilian service, established by Napoleon I in 1802.
Napoleonic Wars
A series of wars from 1803 to 1815 instigated by the aim of Napoleon I of France to conquer all of Europe. His planned invasion of Britain ended with Admiral Nelson's victory at Trafalgar, and his invasion of Russia resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of his men. Napoleon's campaign was finally ended by British and Prussian forces at Waterloo.
Paris Salon
The Paris Salon was the official exhibiting space of the French Academy. Established in 1673 it moved to the Salon d'Apollon at the Louvre in 1725, when it became known as the ‘Salon de Paris’. In 1737 the annual exhibitions were made public and artists were invited to submit their work before a jury. Exhibiting at the Salon and receiving official recognition were vital for an artist's career. In the late 19th century artists became disillusioned with the jury system and its influence declined as a number of independent exhibiting societies were established. The government withdraw its official support in 1881.
Royal Academy
An independent institution founded in 1768 with Sir Joshua Reynolds as its first president. It is governed by the Royal Academicians - leading painters, sculptors, printmakers and architects, which number no more than 80 at one time. It organises exhibitions at its London galleries, including an annual Summer Exhibition.
Crimean War, Franco-Prussian War , Légion d'Honneur, Napoleonic Wars, Paris Salon, Royal Academy
