Édouard Manet

Biography

Édouard Manet (1832–1883) was a French painter and a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Born on January 23, 1832, in Paris, Manet was drawn to painting from an early age, studying under Thomas Couture and developing a style that challenged traditional academic norms while portraying contemporary life.

Manet’s work is known for its bold brushwork, innovative use of color, and depictions of modern Parisian society. Notable paintings include Olympia (1863), which sparked controversy for its frank portrayal of a reclining nude, Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe (1863), and A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882). These works broke with conventional composition and subject matter, influencing the emerging Impressionist movement while maintaining his own distinctive realism.

Throughout his career, Manet explored portraiture, still life, and urban scenes, bridging tradition and modernity. He died on April 30, 1883, in Paris, leaving a profound legacy as a revolutionary artist who helped reshape the course of 19th-century painting.