Why did Pierre-Auguste Renoir and the Impressionists struggle to sell their paintings?

Pierre-Auguste Renoir and the Impressionists struggled to sell their paintings primarily because they broke from the prevailing academic traditions of the 19th century. At the time, the Salon—the state-sponsored exhibition—was the primary venue for artists to establish reputations and sell work. The Salon jury favored traditional subjects, such as historical, mythological, or religious themes, and expected a high level of finish.123

In contrast, the Impressionists focused on capturing modern life and ephemeral moments using visible brushstrokes and lighter palettes, which the art establishment and the buying public often denounced. Because their work was frequently rejected by the Salon, they were denied access to the main market for contemporary art.4123

Their initial independent exhibitions were often critical and financial failures, with critics frequently writing blistering reviews. It was only through the persistence of dealers like Paul Durand-Ruel, who courageously championed their work despite the public's hostility, that the Impressionists eventually gained recognition and commercial success.3245