Édouard Manet

Édouard Manet (pronounced "Mah-nay") was a revolutionary bridge between Realism and Impressionism. Think of "Manet" as "Mainly New!" - he mainly challenged traditional art.

His style is characterized by:

• Realism with a Modern Twist: He depicted everyday life, often with a touch of social commentary, but with a directness that shocked the art world.
• Flatness and Bold Brushstrokes: Manet abandoned traditional modeling and shading, using broad strokes of color to create a sense of immediacy and flatness.
• Contrasting Colors: He favored bold contrasts in color and light, rejecting subtle gradations.
• Rejection of Academic Conventions: Manet broke from established artistic rules regarding perspective, composition, and subject matter.

Key Themes in his work:

• Modern Life: Scenes of Parisian life, cafes, brothels, and ordinary people.
• Controversy: His art often challenged social norms and artistic conventions, leading to scandal and debate.
• Female Nudes: He re-imagined classical nude figures in contemporary settings, provoking controversy about their representation.