Happy Birthday, Edouard Manet

(born January 23, 1832, Paris, France — died April 30, 1883, Paris)

Manet's debut as a painter met with a critical resistance that did not abate until near the end of his career. Although the success of his memorial exhibition and the eventual critical acceptance of the Impressionists—with whom he was loosely affiliated—raised his profile by the end of the 19th century, it was not until the 20th century that his reputation was secured by art historians and critics. Manet's disregard for traditional modeling and perspective made a critical break with academic painting's historical emphasis on illusionism. This flaunting of tradition and the official art establishment paved the way for the revolutionary work of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Manet also influenced the path of much 19th- and 20th-century art through his choice of subject matter. His focus on modern, urban subjects—which he presented in a straightforward, almost detached manner—distinguished him still more from the standards of the Salon, which generally favored narrative and avoided the gritty realities of everyday life. Manet's daring, unflinching approach to his painting and to the art world assured both him and his work a pivotal place in the history of modern art.

The Spanish Singer, 1860
Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)
Oil on canvas

 

 

Boating, 1874
Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)
Oil on canvas 

 

 

 

 

A Matador, 1866–67
Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)
Oil on canvas

Young Lady in 1866, 1866
Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)
Oil on canvas