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Édouard Manet

Édouard Manet
Édouard Manet (1832–1883), French, Édouard Manet, a pivotal figure in the transition from realism to impressionism, was born on January 23, 1832, in Paris, where he also passed away on April 30, 1883. Despite his initial aspirations towards a career in law or the navy, Manet's passion for art led him to the studio of Thomas Couture in 1850, marking the beginning of his formal training as a painter. By 1860, he had begun to exhibit his work, including the notable 'Portrait of M. and Mme Auguste Manet.' Manet's art, characterized by its bold realism and departure from academic conventions, often stirred controversy, as seen with works like 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe' and 'Olympia,' which challenged societal norms and artistic traditions.
Manet's oeuvre reflects a diverse range of subjects, from intimate portraits and vibrant scenes of Parisian life to dramatic historical narratives and serene marines. His friendship with literary and artistic luminaries such as Charles Baudelaire, Émile Zola, and Edgar Degas placed him at the heart of Paris's cultural avant-garde. Despite the initial rejection of his work by the official art establishment, Manet's influence on modern painting is undeniable. His innovative approach to composition and subject matter paved the way for future movements, securing his legacy as a cornerstone of 19th-century art.
  • Madame Manet (Suzanne Leenhoff, 1829–1906) at Bellevue (1880)

    Madame Manet (Suzanne Leenhoff, 1829–1906) at Bellevue (1880)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A woman sits in dappled sunlight, her white dress pooling around her. The parasol rests beside her, forgotten. Shadows play across her face—neither smiling nor solemn, just present. Beyond her, the world blurs into loose brushstrokes, as if reality itself might dissolve at any moment.

  • Vase of White Lilacs and Roses (1883)

    Vase of White Lilacs and Roses (1883)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    Loose white lilacs tumble over the vase’s edge, their petals brushing against tight pink rosebuds. The flowers seem caught mid-movement, as if they might spill onto the table at any moment. A single fallen petal rests on the dark surface below.

  • Jeanne (Spring) (1881)

    Jeanne (Spring) (1881)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A young woman in a pale dress stands against lush greenery, her parasol tilted just so. The play of light on fabric and leaves feels fleeting, like a breath held between seasons. Her gaze lingers somewhere beyond the frame, hinting at thoughts left unspoken.

  • Le chien ‘Donki’ (1876)

    Le chien ‘Donki’ (1876)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A small black dog pauses mid-step, ears perked. The loose brushstrokes suggest movement—perhaps it just heard its name called. No background distracts from the alert posture, the dark fur catching light in quick dabs. A pet caught between stillness and action.

  • At The Café

    At The Café

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A woman sits alone at a café table, her untouched drink before her. The chatter around her blurs into streaks of color, the crowd both present and distant. Her gloved hand rests lightly on the marble, poised between engagement and retreat. The scene hums with unspoken stories.

  • The Rue Mosnier with Flags (1878)

    The Rue Mosnier with Flags (1878)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    Flags ripple above a sunlit Paris street, their bright stripes cutting through the haze. Cobblestones gleam after rain as figures move past shuttered buildings. The city hums with quiet energy—a fleeting glimpse of everyday life beneath fluttering banners.

  • Flowers in a Crystal Vase (c. 1882)

    Flowers in a Crystal Vase (c. 1882)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    Luminous flowers burst from a crystal vase, their petals alive with color and light in this vibrant still-life.