Édouard Manet

Édouard Manet was a French painter whose innovative approach bridged Realism and Impressionism. Known for his candid, modern scenes and controversial subjects, Manet challenged academic conventions with works like Olympia and Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe, which shocked Parisian audiences. His loose brushwork, bold compositions, and play with light influenced younger artists and helped lay the foundation for Impressionism. Though often grouped with the Impressionists, Manet maintained a distinct style focused on urban life and social commentary, earning him a pivotal place in 19th-century art history.