Édouard Manet
On this day in 1832, Édouard Manet—one of the most revolutionary and scandalous artists of the 19th century—was born. He was among the first 19th-century artists to paint modern life and he was a crucial figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. He also happens to be one of my favorite painters.
Manet, born into a well-to-do Parisian family, painted the glamorous world he adored. Uneasy in the countryside, he preferred the sparkle of the city—like this lively masked ball held each year before Lent. Newspapers described the opera house “packed to the rafters,” with elegant men and flirtatious women, from masked society ladies to members of the Parisian demimonde.
Manet sketched on site but completed the painting over months in his studio, posing friends who were writers, artists, and musicians—and even slipping in a self-portrait as the blond, bearded man looking out toward us. A dropped dance card at his feet bears his signature.
Figures cut off at the edges and legs dangling from the balcony above break with academic conventions, reminding us that this bustling scene stretches far beyond the frame. Stéphane Mallarmé commented: "In the picture, the masks are no more than a break from the several tones of fresh bouquets, the possible monotony of the background of black clothes." It was judged to be too naturalistic and so was refused by the 1874 Paris Salon.
Also in 1874, the first Impressionist exhibition was organized. It was a groundbreaking event for art history, and Manet, whose bold modern subjects and innovative brushwork paved the way for the movement’s radical break from academic art, had a pivotal influence on the Impressionists (though he did not participate in any of the Impressionist exhibitions).
P.S. If today’s glimpse into Manet’s world leaves you wanting more, our French Impressionism Mega Online Course is the perfect next step. Enroll today and learn something new and inspiring every day. :)
P.P.S. I'm sure you've heard of today's painter, but how well do you know his art? Here's Édouard Manet in 10 paintings! Do you know all of them? After taking a look at that article, be sure to test your knowledge in our Manet QUIZ!