Edouard Manet

Édouard Manet, born in 1832 in Paris, France, was a pioneering modernist painter who played a key role in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Initially pursuing a naval career, he later dedicated himself to art, studying under Thomas Couture and drawing influence from Spanish masters like Velázquez. His groundbreaking works, including Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe and Olympia, challenged traditional artistic norms and ignited public controversy. Although Manet never formally joined the Impressionists, his focus on modern life and innovative techniques profoundly shaped their movement. His legacy remains a cornerstone in the evolution of modern art.