Édouard Manet

(French, 1832 - 1883)

“It is not enough to know your craft – you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more.”

- Édouard Manet

            Paris born in 1832, Édouard Manet was an artist from birth. Initially his parents were not supportive of his interest in art; they wanted their son to study a career they deemed respectable, such as law. In 1848 he boarded a Navy ship headed for Brazil taking up a seafaring life, however failed his naval exams repeatedly for several years. His naval failure was the success to his parents finally giving in, and so Manet began art school.

            At 18, Manet took up study under Thomas Couture, to learn basic drawing and painting. For years he would occupy his time at the Louvre for hours copying pieces of old masters. He also traveled through Europe admiring the talent of other painters. Manet opened up his own studio, after six years of studying. His style began to change, turning more into an impressionistic style as opposed to realism.

            Some of Manet’s paintings were considered scandalous being that they featured nudes, and as such were not initially exhibited. He faced an abundance of criticism; many were shocked and unimpressed with his striking paintings that led to more negativity. One example is his Olympia the lounging nude beauty who was installed in Louvre after 42 years. Many of his other well-known works included café scenes with his subjects reading, drinking or working.

            The artist’s style of painting reflected his own personality, a contradiction, and radical, conventional. In 1882 he received the award of Légion d’honneur by the French Government – the highest recognition of his life. He died in April of 1883, leaving behind a legacy of over 400 paintings and a bold reputation. His influences will live on through his works and by those who are influenced.

American Fine Art, Inc. is proud to feature the original works and limited editions of Édouard Manet. Visit our 12,000 sq. ft. showroom in Scottsdale, AZ or call today. Our website is offered only as a limited place to browse or refresh your memory and is not a reflection of our current inventory. If you need to learn more about collecting, pricing, value or more information, your International Art Consultant will assist and provide the one on one attention you deserve.  We hope you find our website helpful and look forward to seeing you in Scottsdale soon.