What is the most important art competition?

[Timothy C. Tyler]

In 1890, there were clearly a few 'best" shows out there. Every country had a few top notch shows. Sargent sent work to 3 or 4 shows a year in London. The Salon was the show in Paris. Even in the US there was the "Expositions" which were not places where you rent booths and sell prints. I just can't find THE BEST stand out open competition. There are portrait shows, animal art shows, western art shows, figure shows, plein air shows, women artists shows, BUT is there any longer one open important show? The National Academy of Design doesn't seem to know if they even have a show any longer (which is pretty weird). Sargent once showed there. Things change, but I must be missing some important shows.