Edouard Manet

1832-1883

European Artist

Manet was born in Paris, France. While studying with Thomas Couture from 1850-1856, he drew at the Academie Suisse and copied the Old Masters at the Musee du Louvre. After he left Couture's studio, Manet traveled extensively in Europe, visiting Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Italy. In 1861 Manet's paintings were accepted by the Salon and received favorable press, and he began exhibiting at the Galerie Martinet in Paris. In 1865, Manet's Olympia and Christ Mocked were greeted with great hostility when shown at the Salon. Manet declined to show with the Impressionists in their first exhibition in 1874. In 1881 Manet, then ailing, was decorated with the Legion d'Honneur. Manet was one of the most influential artists of the 19th century whose work inspired the Impressionist style. He became a reluctant hero to artists who were trying to break away from outmoded conventions. Manet's ingenuity and originality caused scandal and brought bitter criticism not only for his technique, but especially for his depiction of nudes as real people in contemporary settings, rather than in the accepted style as goddesses in mythological settings.