Edouard Manet:His Works

Olympia

'Olympia' was one of his most famous and contreversial works. His intention was to translate an Old Master theme, thereclining nude of Giorgione and Titian, into contemporary terms. The depiction of the figures suggest a certain realist and classicist influence. However, the sharpness of contrast also between model and foreground items and dark background, which added a modern vivacity to the Venetian-type subject, was regarded as an intended parody.

'Bar at the Folies-Bergere' was Monet's last true masterpiece. It was painted in the artists own studio. The subject was a very well known Paris venue. The girl in the painting is a barmaid.

Manet produced three oil paintings and a lithograph of the execution of the Emperor. 'The Execution' was his final one. In the first version the firing squad was dressed in Mexican costume. In later versions they are wearing what are virtually French Army uniforms. Manet did not attempt to conceal his political views but he wanted to paint a historical work of art that would be favourably received by the Salon jury.

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