Manet is a painter's painter. In spite of the controversial reception afforded his work during his lifetime, his technical virtuosity was celebrated; he changed the way oil painting was practiced throughout the world. The actions of his brush and his handling of pigment address the eye of the observer for their own dynamic and sensuous properties;he wanted the painting to appeal, directly to the senses of the observer--that is to say, not as a representation but as a painting by Edouard Manet.

Forty sumptuous col.orpl.ates, supplemented by numerous black-and-white reproductions, will provide an unforgettable view of the glories of Manet's work. The text and commentaries, originally publ,ished in 1959, are written by the distinguished writer and historian Pierre Courthion,who has also edited a volume of Manet's writings and correspondence.

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, dishevel.ed 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--perhaps the first--who can trul.y be called "modern." He insisted on the personal, integrity of the artist, on the selfsufficiency 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 rul.es and worked spontaneously, impulsively, bringing a highl.y individual, and fresh vision to al.most everything he painted.And he infused his subjects with a direct erotic sensitivity,unobscured and rife-affirming.

Edouard Manet by Pierre Courthion

Sketches, Drawings, and Prints

SeLf-Portrait with PaLette

Boy with Cherries

Music in the TuiLeries

The Guitarist

Le BaLLet Espagnol

LoLa de VaLence

Portrait of Victorine Meurend

Luncheon on the Grass

OLympia

The Dead Toreador

ALabama and Kearsarge

StiLL Life with Carp

The Fifer

BuLLfight

The Execution of Emperor MaximiLian

Portrait of EmiLe ZoLa

Portrait of Theodore Duret

Luncheon in the Studio

The BaLcony

Departure of the Folkestone Boat

Repose

Eva GonzaLes

On the Beach

Gare Saint-Lazare

ArgenteuiL

Monet Painting in His Studio Boat

The Artist

Portrait of Stephane MaLLarme

Nana

The Tipsy Woman

The BLonde with Bare Breasts

Rue Mosnier Decorated with FLags

Au Cafe

Zn the Conservatory

Chez Le Pere Lathuille

Portrait of George Moore

Portrait of CLemenceau

Portrait of Antonin Proust

Asparagus

A Bar at the FoLies-Bergere

Roses and White LiLacs in a Vase

AcknowLedgments