Manet, Édouard, << ma NAY, ay DWAR >> (1832-1883), a French painter, helped break tradition by using his subject matter in unexpected ways. His subjects often combine elements of traditional art with themes from the life of his time. Manet also painted in a bold, simplified manner, stressing the general visual effect. Since Manet’s time, painting has been dominated by this concern with the importance of the picture itself, rather than with the picture’s storytelling function.
Manet is often identified with the impressionist style of painting, and he and the impressionist artists influenced each other. However, Manet refused to exhibit his works in impressionist shows. The public considered impressionism revolutionary and treated it hostilely. Manet preferred to seek popular success by exhibiting in conservative shows sponsored by the government.
Manet was born on Jan. 23, 1832, in Paris. From 1850 to 1856, he studied with the skillful but traditional artist Thomas Couture. From Couture, Manet learned how to use outline expressively, how to obtain a lively effect with broken brushstrokes, and how to achieve strong lighting with a minimum of tones. Manet wanted to use this technical knowledge in order to portray modern life in a spontaneous way.
In 1863, Manet shocked the people of Paris with his painting Luncheon on the Grass. This picture shows a female nude at a picnic with two men who are wearing modern clothing. Many people felt that the painting was indecent. In 1865, Manet’s Olympia, a painting of a female nude, created an even greater scandal. The public objected to the nude’s bold pose, to her direct and outward gaze, and to the picture’s severe lighting contrasts and flat silhouetted forms.
During the 1860’s, Manet also painted scenes from modern history, though Biblical and ancient historical scenes were popular at the time. One painting shows the execution of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico in 1867. Another of Manet’s modern historical scenes, Combat of the Kearsarge and the Alabama (about 1865), shows a naval battle of the American Civil War.
Manet’s last great painting was Bar at the Folies Bergere (1882). This work is remarkable for its dazzling color and rich textures, as well as its detailed portrayal of Parisian society. Manet died on April 30, 1883.
See also Impressionism ; Painting (Édouard Manet and the impressionists) .
