The Reader (1861)

Édouard Manet (1832–1883) was a groundbreaking French painter who significantly contributed to the rise of modern art. Raised in a wealthy Parisian household, Manet was urged by his father to study law, yet he ultimately chose to pursue his true interest in painting. Receiving his initial education from the academic artist Thomas Couture, Manet gained a strong technical background, but he soon departed from conventional methods to seek out more original forms of artistic expression.

Frequently linked with the evolution from realism to impressionism, Manet’s art serves as a bridge between these two movements. He used striking brushwork, sharp contrasts, and contemporary subjects in his paintings. Although his approach had much in common with the Impressionists—among them his friends Claude Monet and Edgar Degas—Manet maintained his independence by exhibiting mainly at the official Salon rather than participating in impressionist shows.

Among Manet’s most renowned and controversial paintings are "The Luncheon on the Grass" ("Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe") and "Olympia." Each caused major controversy upon their debut in the 1860s, challenging accepted standards of beauty and the artistic portrayal of the nude. The bold compositions and provocative themes of these works drew strong public and critical responses, helping to open the door for future avant-garde practitioners.

Throughout his life as an artist, Manet kept transforming his approach, adopting innovative techniques and incorporating elements of modern life both in subject and style. His readiness to defy artistic conventions positioned him as one of the most impactful artists in art history, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in the transition to impressionism and the representation of contemporary scenes.