Pellizza always intended "The Fourth Estate" to be publicly displayed. It was first unveiled to the public at the Prima Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte Decorativa Moderna, held in Turin in 1902. The work received no recognition (the jury, which included Pellizza's sculptor friend Leonardo Bistolfi, awarded Davide Calandra and his "Monument to the Prince Amedeo"), and it was not bought by a museum. Although "The Fourth Estate" was passed over by art critics, it was applauded by other painters and labor organizers. The poet wrote that "it is something that will remain and not fear time, because time will aid it."