Edouard Manet
Branch of White Peonies and Secateurs
The Bar at the Folies Bergere 1882
Edouard Manet- The French Revolutionary Artist
Edouard Manet was a great French painter who portrayed everyday scenes of city life and people. He is respected for bringing the transition from realism to impressionism. Edouard was always fascinated by art and went to art school even when his parents disapproved. Then he emerged as a popular artist through The Luncheon on the Grass. His revolution in art made him one of the best impressionist artists of all time.
Beginning Years
Manet took birth on January 23, 1832, in Paris. He was the son of Auguste Manet, who was a high-ranking judge, and Eugenie-Desiree Fournier, who was a diplomat's daughter. As his parents were affluent and well connected, they hoped that Manet would choose a respectable job, but he wanted to create art. At 18 age, he began studying drawing and painting basics under Thomas Couture.
From 1853 to 1856, he took inspiration from many admired painters, including Frans Hals, Francisco Jose de Goya, and Diego Velazquez. Then Edouard finally opened his studio and his painting The Absinthe Drinker became one of the examples of his early attempt at realism. However, his interest grew more towards impressionistic style.
In 1863, he married Suzanne Leenhoff, who was Manet's piano teacher, and the couple had a son named Leon Leenhoff. The boy was also in the painting Boy Carrying a Sword. His new style of impressionism art became quite popular, and people appreciated it.
Famous Artworks
The best-loved works of Manet's are his cage scenes. Edouard's famous works include At the Café, The Café Concert, and The Beer Drinkers, among others, that depict 19th century Paris. Manet was an artist who strove to illuminate the bourgeoisie and common French people's rituals. His paintings also included triumphs and tragedies of war.
Final Years
After his first impressionist exhibit, he got an opportunity to draw a painting for Edgar Allan Poe. In 1881, he got the Legion d'honneur award from the French government. He died on April 30 in 1883, and left behind a reputation of a bold, influential artist.