Édouard Manet was a French painter who played a key role in the transition from Realism to Impressionism in the 19th century.
Although he never fully identified with the Impressionist movement, his groundbreaking approach to painting modern life and innovative techniques influenced many artists.
Manet is celebrated for his controversial paintings, which challenged traditional artistic conventions and sparked debate about the representation of contemporary themes.
Works such as Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe and Olympia established him as a key figure in the development of modern art.
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- Full name: Édouard Manet
- Date of birth: January 23, 1832
- Age as of 2024: 192 (possibly)
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Occupation: Painter
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Auguste Manet (father), Eugénie-Désirée Fournier (mother)
- Siblings: Eugène Manet (older brother), Gustave Manet (older brother)
- Spouse: Suzanne Leenhoff (married 1863)
- Child: Leon Leenhoff
- Relationship status: N/A (dead)
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: French
- Net worth: 200 thousand USD
Early life and education
Édouard Manet, who would have been 192 years old in 2024, was born into a wealthy family on January 23, 1832 in Paris, France. His father, Auguste Manet, was a judge, and his mother, Eugénie-Désirée Fournier, was the daughter of a diplomat. Manet’s family expected him to pursue a respectable career in law or the navy, but he showed an early interest in art.
Despite his family’s reservations, Manet pursued his artistic ambitions. He studied under the academic painter Thomas Couture and spent considerable time copying Old Master paintings at the Louvre.
These early experiences shaped his understanding of art history and technique, but Manet would soon abandon traditional approaches to create his own distinctive style.
Personal life
Manet’s personal life was marked by a long-term relationship with Suzanne Leenhoff, a pianist of Dutch descent. They married in 1863, but their relationship was complicated.
Before their marriage, Suzanne had a son, Léon Leenhoff, and there has been much speculation about the true nature of their relationship and Léon’s paternity.
Manet was known for his charm and wit, and was a prominent figure in Parisian literary and artistic circles. He frequented cafes and beauty salons, where he socialized with fellow writers, musicians, and artists, including those who later became known as the Impressionists .
Career
Édouard Manet began exhibiting his paintings in the 1860s, but his work often encountered opposition from conservative art circles. His paintings challenged traditional notions of beauty and elegance, and his bold brushstrokes and unique compositions were seen as a rejection of academic standards.
Manet’s most famous works, such as Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe (1863) and Olympia (1863), caused public outrage and harsh criticism. However, these paintings also attracted the attention and admiration of young artists seeking to escape the constraints of academic art.
Manet’s influence on the Impressionists, especially Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, was considerable. He encouraged them to explore modern themes and experiment with light and color.
Net worth
Manet’s net worth was approximately $200 thousand during his lifetime. Although he came from a wealthy family, he did not achieve much financial success as an artist.
Salons frequently rejected his paintings and he faced considerable criticism. However, his work gained recognition in the later years of his career and today his paintings are among the most valuable in the world.
Death
Édouard Manet died on April 30, 1883, at the age of 51, in Paris, France. He contracted syphilis, which led to complications and ultimately death.
Despite his relatively short career, Manet left a lasting impact on the art world. His innovative approach to painting and willingness to challenge artistic conventions paved the way for the development of modern art.
Argumentative
Édouard Manet’s career was entangled in many controversies. His paintings often challenged social norms and sparked debate about the representation of the human body, primarily the female nude.
Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe, depicting a naked woman casually picnicking with two clothed men, was considered scandalous and immoral. Olympia, a portrait of a reclining nude woman, is further controversial with its direct gaze and confrontational pose.
Manet’s loose painting style and rejection of traditional techniques also attracted criticism. His paintings were considered unfinished and in need of more detail. However, it was these qualities that were later celebrated by the Impressionists and subsequent generations of artists.
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