Édouard Manet

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Édouard Manet (23 January 1832 – 30 April 1883) was a French painter who was a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. His early works, such as The Luncheon on the Grass and Olympia, caused great controversy and served as rallying points for the young painters who would create Impressionism.

Early Life

Manet was born in Paris, France, to an affluent and well-connected family. His father, Auguste Manet, was a judge, and his mother, Eugénie-Desirée Fournier, was the daughter of a diplomat. Despite his father's wishes for him to pursue a career in law, Manet was determined to become an artist. He studied under the academic painter Thomas Couture and traveled to Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands to study the works of the Old Masters.

Career

Manet's career began with his controversial painting The Luncheon on the Grass (Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe), which was rejected by the Paris Salon in 1863 but exhibited at the Salon des Refusés. The painting depicted a nude woman picnicking with two fully dressed men, which was considered scandalous at the time.

In 1865, Manet exhibited Olympia at the Paris Salon, which also caused a scandal due to its portrayal of a nude woman lying on a bed, looking directly at the viewer. The painting was a modern take on the traditional Venus theme and was inspired by Titian's Venus of Urbino.

Later Works and Influence

Manet's later works showed a shift towards a lighter palette and looser brushwork, influenced by his association with the Impressionists, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Notable works from this period include A Bar at the Folies-Bergère and The Railway.

Despite his association with the Impressionists, Manet never exhibited with them and continued to submit his works to the Paris Salon. His work laid the groundwork for the development of modern art and influenced many future artists.

Personal Life

Manet married Suzanne Leenhoff, a Dutch piano teacher, in 1863. They had one son, Léon-Edouard Koëlla Leenhoff, who was born before their marriage and was possibly Manet's son. Manet's health declined in the late 1870s, and he suffered from syphilis, which led to his death in 1883.

Legacy

Manet is considered one of the most important figures in the history of art. His innovative approach to composition and modern subject matter paved the way for future movements such as Post-Impressionism and Modernism. His works are held in major museums around the world, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Related Pages

• Impressionism
• Claude Monet
• Edgar Degas
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir
• Paris Salon
• Salon des Refusés
• Musée d'Orsay
• Metropolitan Museum of Art