Edouard Manet

About the Artist

Édouard Manet was born in France in 1832 and died in 1883, an Impressionist painter. He was active during the period when Realism and Impressionism intersected, and became known for depicting modern life. Born into the upper class, he gave up a naval career to become a painter; his early works sparked controversy for their innovative subjects and style, but he later had a major influence on the art world. His masterpieces "Luncheon on the Grass" and "Olympia" are regarded as pivotal works marking a turning point in modern art. Manet is remembered for inspiring later artists with his simple, direct style and for contributing to the development of Impressionism.