Édouard Manet, born in 1832 in Paris, France, was a pioneering figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Renowned for his bold brushwork, innovative compositions, and willingness to challenge artistic conventions, Manet’s work bridged the gap between traditional academic painting and the avant-garde movements of the late 19th century.

Manet’s most famous works include “Olympia” and “Déjeuner sur l’herbe” (“Luncheon on the Grass”), which caused scandal and controversy due to their unconventional subject matter and treatment. He rejected idealized portrayals of beauty in favor of depicting modern life and contemporary society with unflinching honesty.

Despite facing criticism and rejection from the traditional art establishment, Manet’s influence on subsequent generations of artists, including the Impressionists, was profound. His bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and willingness to experiment laid the groundwork for the modernist movements that followed.

Today, Manet is celebrated as one of the most important and influential artists of the 19th century, revered for his groundbreaking contributions to the development of modern art.

Edouard Manet Quotes

1. “This woman’s work is exceptional. Too bad she’s not a man.”
— Edouard Manet

2. “I paint what I see and not what others like to see.”
— Edouard Manet

3. “It is not enough to know your craft – you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more.”
— Edouard Manet

4. “There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another.”
— Edouard Manet

5. “No one can be a painter unless he cares for painting above all else.”
— Edouard Manet

6. “Concision in art is a necessity and an elegance. The verbose painter bores: who will get rid of all these trimmings?”
— Edouard Manet

7. “Conciseness in art is essential and a refinement. The concise man makes one think; the verbose bores. Always work towards conciseness.”
— Edouard Manet

8. “There is only one true thing: instantly paint what you see. When you’ve got it, you’ve got it. When you haven’t, you begin again. All the rest is humbug.”
— Edouard Manet

9. “I need to work to feel well.”
— Edouard Manet

10. “Black is not a color.”
— Edouard Manet

11. “There’s no symmetry in nature. One eye is never exactly the same as the other. There’s always a difference. We all have a more or less crooked nose and an irregular mouth.”
— Edouard Manet

12. “Above all, keep your colors fresh!”
— Edouard Manet

13. “The principal person in a picture is light.”
— Edouard Manet

14. “Who is this Monet whose name sounds just like mine and who is taking advantage of my notoriety?”
— Edouard Manet

15. “One must be of one’s time and paint what one sees.”
— Edouard Manet

16. “Color is a matter of taste and sensitivity.”
— Edouard Manet

17. “Every new painting is like throwing myself into the water without knowing how to swim.”
— Edouard Manet

18. “I paint as I feel like painting; to hell with all their studies.”
— Edouard Manet

19. “I would kiss you, had I the courage.”
— Edouard Manet

20. “If I’m lucky, when I paint, first my patrons leave the room, then my dealers, and if I’m really lucky I leave too.”
— Edouard Manet

21. “In a face, look for the main light and the main shadow; the rest will come naturally – it’s often not important. And then you must cultivate your memory, because Nature will only provide you with references. Nature is like a warden in a lunatic asylum. It stops you from becoming banal.”
— Edouard Manet

22. “Insults are pouring down on me as thick as hail.”
— Edouard Manet

23. “You must always remain master of the situation and do what you please. No school tasks, ah, no! no tasks!”
— Edouard Manet

24. “The country only has charms for those not obliged to stay there.”
— Edouard Manet

25. “There is only one true thing: Instantly paint what you see.”
— Edouard Manet

26. “You would hardly believe how difficult it is to place a figure alone on a canvas, and to concentrate all the interest on this single and universal figure and still keep it living and real.”
— Edouard Manet