Edouard Manet (1832–1883)

Edouard Manet was a renowned French painter. Born in an affluent family of diplomats and magistrates, he grew up to be the most controversial painter of his time. His father wanted him to build a career in law, but Manet devoted himself to art. He was one of the key figures in the transition of art from ‘Realism to Impressionism’. His important works like ‘Olympia’ and ‘The Luncheon on the Grass’ caused great controversy.

All his life, Edouard Manet was opposed by art critics and was even challenged in the press, but he continued to paint what he saw rather than what people wanted to see in his paintings.