Who painted The Luncheon on the Grass in 1863?
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The Luncheon on the Grass was painted by Édouard Manet in 1863. This major work of modern art is housed at the Orsay Museum in Paris.
At the time of its creation, the French art world was dominated by strict academic conventions. Manet, eager to break free from these norms, drew inspiration from the Old Masters while introducing contemporary elements. The Luncheon on the Grass reflects this desire for rupture and innovation.
The canvas depicts an outdoor scene in which a nude woman sits next to two clothed men, while another scantily clad woman bathes in the background. The juxtaposition of female nudity and clothed men, with no mythological or allegorical context, shocked the public of the time.
Rejected by the jury of the official Salon of 1863, the work was exhibited at the Refused Exhibition, an alternative exhibition featuring works rejected by the traditional Salon. The Luncheon on the Grass quickly became the center of attention, arousing mockery and indignation. The public and critics were disconcerted by the realism of the scene and the lack of narrative justification for the female nudity.
Manet drew inspiration from classical compositions, notably the Country Concert attributed to Titian, while transposing them to a modern context. Manet’s pictorial technique, with its visible brushstrokes and raw light, contrasts with the smooth finish of academic paintings. This approach foreshadowed the innovations of the Impressionists, although Manet himself never claimed to be a member of this movement.
Despite the initial scandal, The Luncheon on the Grass is today considered a founding work of modern art. It influenced many artists and paved the way for greater artistic freedom, challenging established conventions and encouraging the exploration of new subjects and techniques.
The Luncheon on the Grass illustrates Édouard Manet’s willingness to challenge the artistic norms of his time. By combining classical references with bold contemporary representations, Manet created a work that continues to fascinate and inspire, testifying to its central role in the evolution of modern painting.
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Who painted The Luncheon on the Grass in 1863?
Answer
Édouard Manet painted The Luncheon on the Grass in 1863. This work, exhibited at the Refused Exhibition, caused a scandal for its bold depiction of a nude woman with two clothed men.