Edouard Manet
Édouard Manet was a French painter born on January 23, 1832, in Paris, and he died on April 30, 1883, in the same city. He is often associated with the transition from Realism to Impressionism, although he maintained a distinct style that set him apart from his contemporaries. Manet's work was pivotal in challenging traditional academic conventions, as exemplified by his controversial paintings "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe" (1863) and "Olympia" (1865), which provoked public and critical debate. Despite initial resistance, his innovative approach to modern life subjects and his bold use of color and brushwork significantly influenced the development of modern art. Throughout his career, Manet maintained connections with other prominent artists of his time, such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, further cementing his role in the evolution of the Impressionist movement. His legacy is marked by his contribution to the redefinition of artistic expression in the late 19th century.