Edouard Manet

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Édouard Manet (1832–1883)
The father of modernism – the first to look at modern life without a costume.

Style: He blended classical technique with contemporary subject matter. He painted everyday life, Parisian streets, and figures that seemed straight out of a modern newspaper.
Key works: Luncheon on the Grass, Olympia – paintings that caused scandal by showing nudity without mythological excuses.
Technique: Flat areas of color, strong outlines, compressed perspective – innovative and dynamic.
Fun fact: Though he considered himself a classicist, Manet constantly challenged the rules of classicism and sparked heated debates in art salons.
Why he matters today: Manet was a realist of his time. He proved that painting could be like photography – immediate, provocative, and rooted in the now.

Biography

Édouard Manet was a French modernist painter and a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. His controversial works, including 'The Luncheon on the Grass' and 'Olympia', challenged academic conventions and paved the way for modern art. Manet's informal style, use of modern subjects, and innovative techniques deeply influenced the art world.

Early Life and Education

Born into an affluent family with political ties, Manet initially pursued a naval career before turning to painting. He studied under Thomas Couture and was influenced by Dutch and Spanish masters like Frans Hals and Velázquez. Manet's early works portrayed contemporary subjects, distancing from religious and historical genres.

Artistic Development and Controversies

Manet's break-through works 'Music in the Tuileries' and 'The Luncheon on the Grass' stirred significant controversy for their subjects and styles, defying classical norms with modern social scenes and unconventional compositions. His candid portrayal of nudity and urban life shocked critics but gained admiration among progressive artists.

Relationship with Impressionists and Style

Although influenced by and connected to Impressionists like Monet and Morisot, Manet preferred exhibiting at the official Salon rather than Impressionist exhibitions. His style integrated loose brushwork, strong outlines, and sometimes flatness, emphasizing the painted surface and modern perspectives.

Late Life and Themes

Manet's later years were marked by illness and partial paralysis due to syphilis. He produced many still lifes and scenes from social venues like cafes and bars that depicted the bohemian and bourgeois life, reflecting his deep observation of Parisian society.

Nationality

French

Themes

Modern life, contemporary people, social scenes, urban life, consequence of war, society and culture of 19th-century Paris

Manet did not receive many formal awards but gained considerable posthumous acclaim, with several of his paintings achieving record prices at auctions.

1861
First Accepted Salon Works

Manet's portraits of his parents and The Spanish Singer were accepted; the latter gained popularity among Salon-goers.
1863
Exhibition of The Luncheon on the Grass at Salon des Refusés

Civil exhibition for works rejected by Paris Salon; 'The Luncheon on the Grass' caused great controversy but increased Manet's notoriety.
1865
Exhibition of Olympia at Paris Salon

The provocative painting of a nude prostitute caused scandal but was championed by avant-garde artists and critics like Emile Zola.
1881
Awarded Légion d'honneur

Recognized by the French government for his contributions to art.