Even a century after his death, Edouard Manet remains one of the most enigmatic and intriguing painters in the history of art. Manet does not fit the image of a tormented, reclusive, disheveled artist. He was, in fact, impeccably dressed, courteous, and had a respect for traditional values. Why then was his work so outrageously provocative; why was he snubbed and ridiculed? The truth is that Manet was one of the first artists who can truly be called "modern." He insisted on the personal integrity of the artist, on the self-sufficiency of the work of art, and on the right to draw on previous art, as well as on nature, for pictorial motivation. He ignored hoary academic techniques and rules and worked spontaneously, impulsively, bringing a highly individual and fresh vision to almost everything he painted. In spite of the controversial reception afforded his work during his lifetime, his technical virtuosity was celebrated; he change the way oil painting was practiced throughout the world. This book includes 40 colorplates, supplemented by numerous black-and-white reproductions. --from back cover.
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