The Absinthe Drinker (Manet)

Edouard Manet - The Absinthe Drinker - Google Art Project

The Absinthe Drinker (Le Buveur d'absinthe) is a painting by Édouard Manet, completed in 1859. It is considered one of the earliest works by Manet and showcases the artist's interest in depicting subjects from real life, a characteristic that would define his career. The painting is a full-length portrait of an individual, believed to be a depiction of an actual absinthe drinker whom Manet encountered in Paris.

Description

The painting portrays a solitary figure standing against a dark background. The subject is a man dressed in ragged clothes, holding a glass in his hand, which is presumed to contain absinthe, a potent alcoholic drink that was popular in 19th-century France. The man's gaze is directed away from the viewer, adding to the sense of isolation and detachment. The use of light and shadow in the painting highlights the figure, drawing attention to the expression of desolation on his face.

Background

During the time The Absinthe Drinker was painted, absinthe was widely consumed in French cafes and had a reputation for its psychoactive properties. The drink was associated with the bohemian lifestyle of artists, writers, and intellectuals in Paris. Manet's decision to paint a subject that was considered controversial and lowly reflects his interest in realism and his desire to challenge the traditional subjects of painting by focusing on the social realities of his time.

Reception

Upon its completion, The Absinthe Drinker was rejected by the Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. The rejection was a significant setback for Manet, but it also marked the beginning of his reputation as a rebel against the conventional art establishment. Critics of the time were divided in their opinions of the painting. Some praised Manet's boldness in choosing such a subject, while others criticized it for glorifying what they saw as a social vice.

Legacy

The Absinthe Drinker is considered an important work in Manet's oeuvre, as it signaled the beginning of his departure from traditional painting and his move towards what would later be recognized as Impressionism. The painting is also significant for its early indication of modernist themes, such as the alienation of the individual in urban society. Today, it is studied as an example of Manet's contribution to the development of modern art and his influence on future generations of artists.

See Also

• Édouard Manet
• Impressionism
• Realism
• History of painting