An Exploration of Impressonist Painting With Edouard Manet

The work of Impressionist painter Edouard Manet is among the most representative of that era. His work is an important statement on 19th century French culture, industrialism, politics and war. Manet was seen as highly controversial during his time. It is important that students to understand why his work was viewed as such, and why he is often considered the father of modernity in the art world.

You can begin your lesson or unit by having students create a timeline of Manet’s life. They should be sure to include when he met influential artists and other important individuals who may have affected his work. Next, have students compare and contrast the work of different painters of the era. Students will find the work of Manet very different from that of his contemporaries Georges Seurat, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Charles Monet and Edgar Degas. Have students analyze one of Manet’s paintings in terms of its style, use of color, and subject matter. It is important that students understand the significance of Manet’s subject matter because it offers an interesting commentary on nineteenth century French society. Give students time in class or at home to research Manet’s choice of subjects and how they reflect his political ideals and beliefs. Some of his more well-known works include "Dejeuner sur l’herbe," "Olympia," "Le Bar aux Folies-Bergère," "L'Homme mort," and "Execution of Maximilian." Each of these paintings has a rich history and provides excellent opportunities for in-depth student research.

Working in pairs, you can have students conduct a mock interview with Manet himself. One student can portray Manet (in costume, if they choose) while the other partner serves as the reporter. Videotape the interviews as they will reveal a great deal about Manet, his inspiration, his motivations and his style.  One variation on this interview project could be to do a modern talk show on which Manet could be the guest (e.g.: The View, E! True Hollywood Story, etc.).

Teachers seeking to collaborate with their colleagues in the language arts department may choose to have students write short stories, skits or a play about one of Manet’s paintings. Students may choose to write a character study of one of the individuals in the painting or to write a story explaining what is depicted in the painting. If you are able to collaborate with colleagues in the theater department, consider staging these skits or plays for a larger audience, complete with costumes and props to make the painting come to life.

Finally, if you have the time to study more than one artistic era, you may choose to compare and contrast the different eras, artists, styles and subject matters. Be sure to address the larger issues inherent in the work of Manet and the other Impressionists, especially vis-à-vis the social, economic and political climate in France during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. This is an especially important activity given that Manet is often credited with inventing modern art.

Students are sure to develop a better understanding of French history and the history of art after a close examination of Manet and his contemporaries.

Manet Lesson Ideas:

What Is The Challenge?

This lesson allows students to understand the role of the all-important salon in French art history in addition to focusing on Manet’s view of women and how this was shocking to audiences. It also allows for a comparison of Manet’s "Olympia" to Titian’s "Olympia" which will help students to understand the dramatic changes brought about by Manet.

The Dead Toreador and the Bullfight

This online interactive gives students the opportunity to compare and contrast Manet’s "The Dead Toreador" and "The Bullfight." Students do the work of curators in this online tour and gain an understanding of not only the artist’s process, but also what can be learned today from a closer examination of both paintings.

In the Times of the Impressionist Exhibitions

This lesson provides a thorough explanation of the era in which Manet painted. Although originally designed to prepare students for a visit to the Musee d’Orsay, the lesson can still be taught with copies of the images addressed. In this lesson students discuss the role of color and light and the influence of French Realism.