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.
  • Laundry (1875)

    Laundry (1875)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A woman bends over her wash, sunlight dappling the fabric. The air hums with quiet labor—linen snaps in the breeze, water glints in a basin. Ordinary moments hold their own quiet drama.

  • The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil (1874)

    The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil (1874)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    Sunlight dapples through the trees as a family gathers in their lush garden. The woman’s white dress glows against the greenery while a child plays nearby. Loose brushstrokes blur the line between domestic tranquility and nature’s wildness—a fleeting afternoon where cultivated order meets untamed growth.

  • In the Conservatory (1879)

    In the Conservatory (1879)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A woman in a striped dress leans against a chair, her gaze distant. Beside her, a man in a dark suit smokes, eyes downcast. Sunlight filters through the conservatory’s glass, casting dappled shadows on their faces—an ordinary moment thick with unspoken tension.

  • Basket of Fruit (circa 1864)

    Basket of Fruit (circa 1864)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A woven basket overflows with ripe fruit—peaches, grapes, plums—their skins glowing against the dark background. The brushstrokes feel loose, almost careless, yet every shadow and highlight makes the fruit pulse with life. It’s not just a still life; it’s a feast waiting to be touched.

  • Antonin Proust

    Antonin Proust

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    A confident gaze meets the viewer, the dark suit and crisp white shirt framing a face alive with intelligence. Loose brushstrokes suggest movement, as if the sitter might lean forward any moment to speak. The background dissolves into shadow, pulling focus to those sharp, observant eyes.

  • A Game of Croquet (1873)

    A Game of Croquet (1873)

    Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)

    Laughter drifts across the lawn as wooden mallets strike painted balls. Sunlight dapples through the trees, catching the crisp whites of summer dresses. A paused moment—the next swing could send the game spinning in any direction. The grass still holds the afternoon’s warmth beneath their feet.

  • 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.