Happy Birthday Edouard Manet
Edouard Manet was born on January 23, 1832 in Paris. He is often identified with the “Impressionists,” and was influenced by them, but he was a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. However, because of the Paris art world’s generally hostile regard for Impressionism, he chose not to exhibit with them. He preferred to show his work in the more conservative exhibitions sponsored by the French government.
Manet learned to paint in the traditional style, but his work became more spontaneous after his exposure to Claude Monet and the other “Impressionists.” He used expressive outline, severe lighting contrasts, bold color and rich texture to portray the world around him.
His early masterworks The Luncheon on the Grass and Olympia engendered great controversy, and served as rallying points for the young painters who would create Impressionism—today these are considered watershed paintings that mark the genesis of modern art.
