Manet or Monet – One Exalts the Female Body, the Other Nature

In the film Ocean’s 11, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) says to his ex-wife Tess (Julia Roberts):
“I always confuse Monet and Manet. Now which one married his mistress?”
After Tess replies “Monet,” Danny retorts: “Right, and then Manet had syphilis.”

Monet did indeed marry his mistress, and Manet died from syphilis at the age of 51. But the two men were also the most important Impressionist painters.
Claude Monet and Édouard Manet are two of the most prominent artists of the 19th century who had a significant influence on the development of modern art. Although their names sound alike and both are associated with Impressionism, they had different artistic styles and approaches.

Both Manet and Monet were born in Paris, but Manet was born in January 1832, with Monet coming along eight and a half years later in November 1840.
This age difference meant that Manet established himself as an artist well before Monet.

Style

Édouard Manet (1832-1883): Manet is considered a precursor to Impressionism, but he was never truly an Impressionist himself. He is part of Realism and often depicted scenes from everyday life in Paris, but in a way that challenged traditional artistic canons. His early works like Luncheon on the Grass (1863) and Olympia (1863) caused scandals due to their directness and innovative composition and portrayal of the human body. Although he used bright colors, Manet relied on contrasts between light and shadow and often used dense, contoured forms. He was drawn to figurative art and portraits.

Claude Monet (1840-1926): Monet is regarded as the founder of Impressionism. He was entirely focused on light and its effects on nature. His approach was vastly different from Manet’s, as he preferred to paint landscapes and natural scenes. His iconic series Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise (1872), which gave the Impressionist movement its name, are examples of his focus on light and atmosphere. Monet was interested in capturing the momentary sensation and the effect of light at different times of the day, using fast, loose brushstrokes to convey his impressions of a scene.

Critics' Opinions

Manet: Manet faced strong opposition in the early years of his career. His works were often rejected by the official Paris Salon, the center of conservative art criticism. However, over time, Manet established himself as a key figure in the development of modern art, influencing the younger Impressionists.

Monet: Monet also faced criticism early in his career, with some critics failing to understand his approach to light and brushstrokes. Impressionists as a whole were seen as radicals in art. However, over time, Monet became recognized as a leading representative of the movement, and his influence continues to grow to this day.

Influence on Art

Manet: Manet was an important transitional artist who bridged Realism and Impressionism, paving the way for modern art. His early works challenged classical traditions while emphasizing individualism and innovation.

Monet: Monet was the founder of Impressionism, and his influence was crucial to the further development of Modernism. His experiments with light, color, and technique paved the way for future art movements such as Post-Impressionism and Abstract Art.

Interesting Moments from Édouard Manet’s Life:

Manet and the Scandals: Manet often provoked the public with his works. His two most famous pieces, Luncheon on the Grass (1863) and Olympia (1865), sparked strong reactions. For example, Luncheon on the Grass shocked society with its scene of clothed men and a naked woman on a picnic, seen as scandalous and inappropriate. Olympia, which depicts a naked woman believed to be a prostitute, also caused outrage due to her direct gaze and the context, considered an outright challenge to the morals of the time.

Connection with the Impressionists: Although Manet never considered himself an Impressionist and did not participate in their exhibitions, he was close friends with many Impressionists, including Claude Monet. They often painted together outdoors. However, Manet remained loyal to the Paris Salon and traditional art institutions, trying to balance innovation with classical norms.

Manet and the War: During the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), Manet served in the French National Guard, later witnessing the Siege of Paris. The war and political turmoil left a deep impact on his art and personality.

Interesting Moments from Claude Monet’s Life:

The Difficult Beginning: Monet faced financial difficulties at the start of his career. Despite the support of his friends, his works often did not sell well, and his family experienced serious financial problems. He even attempted suicide in 1868 by jumping into the Seine but survived and continued painting.

Fame Came Late: Despite the hardships at the beginning of his career, Monet achieved great success later in life. By the end of his life, he was recognized as one of the most important artists of his time, and his paintings became highly sought after. Despite this, he remained humble and continued to paint almost until the very end.

Eye Surgery: In the last years of his life, Monet suffered from cataracts, which affected his vision and color perception. This condition is reflected in his paintings – they became darker, and the colors more blurred. In 1923, Monet underwent eye surgery, which partially restored his vision, though he remained unsure about the quality of his work during this period.

The Garden at Giverny: Monet created his famous garden at Giverny, which became his inspiration in the last years of his life. The garden, with water lilies and a Japanese bridge, became a central motif in many of his paintings. It was carefully designed by Monet and represents a true masterpiece of both gardening and art. Monet spent years painting the different aspects of the garden in various lights and seasons.

Claude Monet and His Obsession with Light: Monet was known for his obsession with light and the time of day. He often painted the same scenes multiple times to capture different atmospheric conditions. Series such as Rouen Cathedral, Haystacks, and Water Lilies were created to capture light at different times of the day and year.