In February 1908, a notable exhibition took place at the Macbeth Galleries, featuring eight artists who sought to challenge the conventional artistic standards of their time. Known as "The Eight," this group included prominent figures such as Henri, Sloan, Glackens, Luks, and Shinn, collectively dubbed the Philadelphia Five, along with three other diverse artists. They aimed to reflect their desire for creative freedom and expression, which was hindered by the restrictive practices of the National Academy of Design.

The exhibition was marketed as an American version of the Salon des Refusés, attracting attention for its bold rejection of traditional aesthetics. Among the artists were Arthur B. Davies, closely connected to affluent art collectors, as well as other notable figures like Ernest Lawson and Maurice Prendergast, both of whom had faced exclusion from the previous year's exhibitions. Their diverse influences and techniques symbolized a shift in the art scene of New York City, pushing against the limitations imposed by established institutions.