Manet Degas Friends, Rivals, and Art

Manet Degas friends rivals: This exploration delves into the complex relationship between two titans of 19th-century art, Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. Their shared artistic environment fostered both collaboration and competition, shaping the trajectory of modern art.

From their early influences and exhibitions to their contrasting styles and critical reception, we’ll examine how these artists’ personal and professional lives intersected. We’ll also analyze how their shared subjects and themes reveal their individual artistic visions and how they were influenced by the socio-political context of their time. This deep dive will uncover the fascinating story of their connections, rivalries, and lasting impact on the art world.

Introduction to Manet and Degas

Édouard Manet (1832-1883) and Edgar Degas (1834-1917) were pivotal figures in 19th-century French art, challenging the prevailing artistic norms and paving the way for modernism. Their distinct styles, while both rooted in French artistic traditions, reflected individual responses to the evolving social and cultural landscape of their time. Their influence extends far beyond their respective lifetimes, shaping the course of painting and sculpture in the centuries that followed.The artistic and social contexts of 19th-century France were crucial in shaping the careers and styles of both artists.

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and burgeoning middle classes led to new social interactions and artistic subjects. The Salon, a major exhibition venue, served as a crucial platform for showcasing and critiquing art, but it also became a battleground for artists seeking to break free from traditional academic styles.

Early Artistic Development

Manet and Degas, despite their shared French artistic heritage, embarked on divergent artistic paths. Their early artistic development, including influences, mentors, and exhibitions, demonstrates their distinct approaches.

Artist	Key Exhibitions	Mentors	Influences
Édouard Manet	Salon of 1863, with his controversial painting “Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe,” which caused considerable scandal. Later Salon appearances were marked by ongoing debate and critical reception. He also exhibited outside the Salon in the 1860s and 1870s, including at the “Salon des Refusés” in 1863.	Thomas Couture, a prominent academic painter, initially served as Manet’s mentor.	Spanish Masters (Velázquez, Goya), and the realism of Courbet.
Edgar Degas	Degas participated in the Salon, though his paintings were less controversial than Manet’s. He exhibited alongside the Impressionists.	Jean-Léon Gérôme, a respected academic painter.	Ingres, and the depiction of contemporary life.

The table above highlights the early exhibitions, mentors, and influences of Manet and Degas. The differing exhibitions reveal their distinct approaches to the artistic establishment. Manet’s confrontational approach and his engagement with contemporary subject matter stand in contrast to Degas’s more measured, yet still progressive, artistic trajectory.

Key Characteristics of Styles

Manet and Degas, while both innovators, developed distinctive styles that reflected their personal experiences and artistic philosophies.Manet’s style, often characterized as Realist with Impressionistic tendencies, boldly captured contemporary life and social interactions. He employed a direct and unflinching approach to depicting the human form and the social world. He embraced the use of flattened forms and unidealized figures, creating a unique visual language.

His color palette was often vivid and direct, mirroring his desire to capture the immediacy of perception. Examples of his works show a direct, unflinching view of everyday life.Degas’s style, deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of the 19th century, was characterized by his unique approach to movement and form. He masterfully captured the energy and dynamism of everyday activities, particularly those involving dancers and horses.

His use of light and shadow, along with his unique perspective, created a sense of dynamism and visual interest. His compositions often feature a sense of asymmetry, and he skillfully used perspective and form to convey the essence of movement. Notable examples of his work depict the human form in dynamic action.

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Historical Significance

Manet and Degas challenged the prevailing artistic norms of their time, contributing significantly to the evolution of modern art. Their work paved the way for Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Manet’s bold rejection of academic conventions and his direct engagement with modern life directly influenced later artists. Degas’s innovative approach to depicting movement and everyday subjects inspired countless artists who followed. Their willingness to break free from established artistic traditions set a precedent for future generations of artists.

Friendships and Collaborations

Beyond their artistic rivalry, Manet and Degas shared a complex web of connections and collaborations, often forged in the crucible of Parisian artistic circles. Their relationships offer valuable insights into the social and artistic dynamics of the era, revealing both the bonds of friendship and the occasional friction between artists vying for recognition. Understanding these relationships is key to appreciating the full context of their individual and collective contributions to Impressionism.These connections were not always straightforward.

While friendship and mutual respect existed, disagreements and differing artistic visions undoubtedly played a role. Their interactions highlight the nuanced and sometimes conflicting nature of artistic relationships in 19th-century Paris.

Common Acquaintances and Shared Experiences

Manet and Degas, despite their different artistic styles and temperaments, moved in the same circles. This overlap led to numerous shared experiences and acquaintances. Identifying these common threads offers a more complete picture of their relationship.

Manet	Degas	Common Acquaintance/Shared Experience	Possible Motivations
Edouard Manet	Edgar Degas	Fellow members of the Société des Artistes Français	Shared desire for recognition within the artistic establishment.
Edouard Manet	Edgar Degas	Frequent attendance at the same exhibitions, including the Salon	Both sought to engage with the public and critique established art standards, potentially finding inspiration or common ground.
Edouard Manet	Edgar Degas	Connections to other artists and patrons of the arts	Networking opportunities, potential for collaborations on exhibitions or commissions.
Edouard Manet	Edgar Degas	Exposure to similar artistic movements and ideas.	Mutual interest in innovating and pushing the boundaries of traditional art.

Relationships with Other Artists, Manet degas friends rivals

The artistic world of the time was interwoven. Many artists interacted, sometimes collaborating, sometimes competing. This section explores some key figures who interacted with either Manet or Degas, or both.

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Their shared passion for art and life makes their stories all the more compelling, ultimately showcasing the beauty and drama of the art world.

• Camille Pissarro: A close friend and collaborator with Manet, Pissarro shared Manet’s interest in capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in painting. Their shared artistic vision, particularly in the development of Impressionism, is evident in their correspondence and joint exhibitions. Their common goal to create more naturalistic representations of the world around them fueled their friendship.
• Claude Monet: Monet, a key figure in the Impressionist movement, shared exhibitions and friendships with both Manet and Degas. While their individual styles differed, their collective experimentation with light and color contributed to the broader Impressionist movement. Their interactions, though not always explicitly collaborative, were certainly influential.
• Auguste Renoir: Renoir, known for his vibrant depictions of modern life, interacted with both Manet and Degas, participating in the same exhibitions. Their shared interest in capturing contemporary life, often through portraiture and everyday scenes, fostered connections and collaborations, although not always directly between Manet and Degas and Renoir.

Specific Examples of Collaboration

Direct collaborations between Manet and Degas are less common than shared acquaintanceships. Their artistic paths, though intertwined, were often individualistic.

• Exhibitions: Both artists frequently exhibited their works alongside each other at various Salons and other exhibitions. These exhibitions provided platforms for them to showcase their individual styles, influencing each other’s works. While not formal collaborations, these exhibitions were key to their mutual exposure and acceptance within the artistic community.

Artistic Interactions and Rivalry

Edouard Manet and Edgar Degas, despite their shared Parisian milieu and occasional camaraderie, found themselves caught in a complex web of artistic rivalry. Their contrasting approaches to painting, coupled with the prevailing artistic climate of the time, often led to subtle, and sometimes overt, competition. Their individual styles and subject matter, while distinct, were also shaped by their shared experiences and reactions to each other.The artistic landscape of 19th-century Paris was one of intense scrutiny and debate.

New artistic movements, like Impressionism, were challenging established norms, and artists like Manet and Degas found themselves at the forefront of these changes. This atmosphere fostered a dynamic interplay of inspiration and competition, pushing both artists to explore new boundaries and express their unique vision.

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Specific Instances of Rivalry

Manet and Degas occasionally clashed over artistic priorities. Manet’s bold and controversial depictions of modern life, often challenging the established canons of academic painting, drew criticism. Degas, while not always aligned with the same level of radicalism, nonetheless had his own distinctive style, which sometimes led to comparisons and potential rivalry. Their different approaches to portraying the human figure and the world around them sometimes led to unspoken tension.

Factors Contributing to Artistic Interactions

Several factors contributed to the complex interplay between Manet and Degas. The shared Parisian art scene provided a platform for both artists to interact, exhibit, and critique each other’s work. The close-knit artistic community, with its salons, exhibitions, and critiques, played a significant role in shaping their artistic trajectories and influencing their responses to each other. Critical reception and public opinion played a pivotal role, as artists reacted to the judgements and evaluations of their contemporaries.

Comparison of Artistic Approaches

Manet’s approach was characterized by a direct engagement with contemporary life, a bold use of color, and a rejection of traditional academic styles. Degas, on the other hand, developed a highly personal style, focusing on capturing movement and the fleeting moments of everyday life, often using pastels and prints in addition to oil paints. While their styles differed significantly, their shared interest in portraying contemporary subjects and their rejection of strict academic conventions might have inspired each other.

Influence on Each Other’s Work

It’s difficult to definitively state that either artist directly influenced the other’s style in a definitive way. However, the shared environment and the need to respond to the critical landscape likely shaped their artistic choices. Their shared experience of pushing against the norms of the time could have influenced the development of their unique approaches.

Critical Reception and Public Opinion

Manet and Degas often received contrasting critical receptions. Manet’s work was frequently met with outrage and condemnation for its perceived lack of technical skill and its radical departure from established norms. Degas, while also facing criticism, received a more nuanced reception, his focus on movement and dynamism appealing to some while others found his style unusual. The public response to their individual styles, and the comparison of their works, shaped the artistic climate and influenced their subsequent creations.

Shared Exhibitions and Public Displays

Exhibition/Display	Year	Potential Criticisms/Comparisons	Description
Salon des Refusés (1863)	1863	Manet’s controversial work drew considerable negative attention.	Manet’s exhibition, presenting works rejected from the official Salon, brought attention to his innovative style and generated substantial discussion.
Salon (various years)	1860s-1870s	Both artists’ work appeared alongside the work of other artists, leading to comparison and critical assessment.	Manet and Degas participated in the official Salon exhibitions, alongside the works of other artists, which inevitably led to comparisons of their approaches.
Impressionist Exhibitions (1874 onwards)	1874 onwards	Degas’s involvement in the Impressionist exhibitions sometimes drew comparisons to Manet’s work, especially concerning the depiction of contemporary life.	Degas’s inclusion in the Impressionist exhibitions provided a shared platform with other artists.

Shared Subjects and Themes

Manet and Degas, despite their contrasting styles and personalities, shared a common ground in their artistic explorations. Both artists were deeply engaged with the realities of modern life, albeit in different ways. Their shared interests in capturing the human experience, whether in bustling Parisian scenes or intimate moments of daily life, provided fertile ground for artistic interaction and, at times, rivalry.

This exploration delves into their common subjects, their distinct approaches, and possible influences on their shared artistic vision.The commonalities in their subjects reveal not only shared interests but also a shared commitment to depicting the world around them, a reflection of the societal shifts occurring during their time. Their respective personal experiences and observations shaped their artistic decisions, resulting in distinct, yet interconnected artistic narratives.

Their shared experiences as observers of modern life, and their individual responses to it, offer a unique window into the artistic evolution of their era.

Common Subjects and Artistic Approaches

A significant area of convergence between Manet and Degas lies in their depictions of contemporary Parisian life. Both artists explored the social fabric of the city, capturing scenes of leisure, entertainment, and everyday activities. However, their individual approaches differed dramatically. Manet’s focus often rested on the larger social commentary inherent in these scenes, while Degas concentrated on the intimate, psychological aspects of human interaction.

Specific Themes and Examples

• The Parisian Scene: Both artists depicted Parisian life, but with distinct focuses. Manet frequently portrayed café scenes, capturing the energy and social dynamics of public spaces, often with a critical eye towards social class and behaviour. Degas, on the other hand, focused more on the backstage of Parisian life, such as the ballet and racecourses. His paintings frequently showcased the human element within these environments, concentrating on the individual experience within the larger setting.

  For example, Manet’s “Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe” (Luncheon on the Grass) depicts a leisurely gathering in a park, showcasing a bold departure from traditional artistic norms, while Degas’s “Rehearsal of the Dancers” offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes activity of a ballet studio, focusing on the dancers’ posture and movement.

• Women in Society: Manet and Degas both painted women, but their portrayals differed considerably. Manet often depicted women in a way that challenged traditional artistic norms and conventions, emphasizing their modernity and independence, sometimes evoking a sense of vulnerability. Degas, conversely, frequently captured women in domestic or social settings, sometimes revealing a subtle sense of observation of their actions and behaviour, showcasing them as a component of the wider society.

  Examples include Manet’s “Olympia” showcasing a reclining female nude with a direct gaze, challenging conventional representations of female beauty, contrasted with Degas’s series of paintings featuring women in various social contexts, such as the ballet or racecourse, showcasing their daily lives.

• The Ballet: The ballet provided a common subject for both artists. Manet, although less frequent, painted scenes within the ballet’s context, focusing on the broader aspects of the performance and the societal element associated with it. Degas dedicated a substantial portion of his artistic output to the ballet, creating a series of paintings and pastels that meticulously captured the dancers in various poses and stages of movement.

  His works frequently focused on the dancers’ bodies and movements, showcasing a detailed examination of the art and the dancers themselves. An illustration of this could be Degas’s “The Rehearsal” which displays a particular moment in time and the choreography within the ballet, whereas Manet’s “The Balcony” is more about a gathering and the broader context of a Parisian event.

Possible Influences and Personal Lives

The shared subjects and contrasting approaches of Manet and Degas likely stem from various influences. Their shared Parisian context and exposure to contemporary life, along with their observations of the changing social landscape, certainly influenced their shared interests. However, their distinct personal lives also played a pivotal role. Manet’s more direct confrontation with societal norms, possibly stemming from his unconventional lifestyle and outspoken nature, manifested in his art.

Degas’s more introspective and detached perspective, possibly shaped by his personal relationships and social circles, resulted in a different artistic voice.

Common Subject	Manet’s Approach	Degas’s Approach	Examples
Parisian Life	Capturing the energy and social dynamics of public spaces, often with a critical eye towards social class.	Focusing on the intimate, psychological aspects of human interaction in specific settings (e.g., ballet, racecourse).	Manet’s “Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe”; Degas’s “Rehearsal of the Dancers”
Women	Challenging traditional artistic norms, emphasizing modernity and independence.	Capturing women in domestic or social settings, observing their roles and actions within society.	Manet’s “Olympia”; Degas’s “Femme au collier de perles”
The Ballet	Broader context of the performance, societal elements.	Detailed depictions of dancers’ bodies, movements, and moments within the ballet itself.	Manet’s “The Balcony”; Degas’s “The Rehearsal”

Influence on Subsequent Artists: Manet Degas Friends Rivals

Manet and Degas, though separated by individual artistic visions, exerted a profound influence on subsequent generations of artists. Their innovative approaches to subject matter, composition, and technique broke from established norms, paving the way for new artistic movements and fostering a sense of experimentation within the art world. Their legacies continue to resonate today, inspiring artists across various disciplines and mediums.The impact of Manet and Degas extended far beyond their immediate circle of contemporaries.

Their bold rejection of academic conventions and embrace of modern life, alongside their masterful use of color and light, influenced countless artists who followed. Their individual approaches to portraying the human form, capturing movement, and exploring the complexities of the human condition, inspired subsequent generations to challenge artistic boundaries and develop their own unique styles.

Artists Influenced by Manet and Degas

Several artists were profoundly influenced by the innovative approaches of Manet and Degas. Among them, Post-Impressionists, Fauvists, and early Modernists found inspiration in their methods and aesthetics. Their emphasis on capturing the fleeting moment, subjective perception, and the emotional impact of color and light had a lasting effect on the development of modern art. The influence wasn’t a simple imitation but a profound engagement with their ideas and methodologies.

Examples of Stylistic Adaptations

Manet’s use of flat planes of color and his unconventional depictions of everyday life had a significant impact on artists like Cézanne and Picasso. Cézanne, for instance, adapted Manet’s fragmented perspectives and bold brushstrokes to explore the underlying structure and form of subjects. Picasso, building on this, further abstracted form and color, creating a more fragmented and symbolic visual language.

Degas’s interest in movement and capturing the essence of everyday life resonated with artists like Matisse and Modigliani. Matisse adopted Degas’s vibrant use of color and simplified forms to create dynamic compositions, while Modigliani incorporated his elongated figures and stylized forms into his portraits.

Impact of Artistic Philosophies

Manet and Degas challenged the traditional academic approach to art, emphasizing the importance of personal expression and subjective interpretation. This emphasis on individual artistic vision encouraged subsequent artists to develop their unique perspectives and challenge established artistic norms. Their rejection of the strictures of academic painting and their embrace of modern life and experience had a profound impact on the artistic discourse of their time.

Their focus on depicting reality as perceived, rather than as dictated by convention, fostered a sense of artistic freedom and experimentation.

Evolution of Methods and Techniques

Manet’s innovative use of light and color, and his rejection of traditional techniques, influenced the development of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. He pioneered a more direct and less idealized approach to painting, focusing on capturing the fleeting impression of a moment. Degas’s use of multiple viewpoints and his innovative use of pastels and printmaking methods broadened the possibilities of representing movement and capturing the essence of everyday life.

This led to a diversification of artistic mediums and techniques, reflecting a wider range of artistic expression.

Comparison of Styles

Artist	Manet	Degas	Influenced Artist
Manet	Flattened forms, bold brushstrokes, emphasis on light and color, unconventional subject matter		Cézanne
Degas		Emphasis on movement, capturing fleeting moments, use of multiple viewpoints, dynamic compositions	Matisse
Influenced Artist (e.g., Cézanne)	Adapted Manet’s fragmented perspectives and bold brushstrokes to explore the underlying structure and form of subjects.		Utilized simplified forms and vibrant color from Degas’s work to create dynamic compositions.
Influenced Artist (e.g., Picasso)	Further abstracted form and color, creating a more fragmented and symbolic visual language.		Emphasized elongated figures and stylized forms in portraits.

Illustrative Examples

Manet and Degas, despite their close friendship and occasional collaborations, also engaged in a subtle but important artistic rivalry. Examining key works from both artists provides valuable insight into their unique styles, the social context of their time, and the evolving landscape of 19th-century art. Their contrasting approaches to composition, color, and subject matter reveal their individual artistic voices and their responses to the artistic and cultural currents of their era.

A Detailed Look at

Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe*

Edouard Manet’sLe Déjeuner sur l’herbe* (1863) caused a sensation upon its debut at the Salon des Refusés. The painting’s shocking subject matter – a group of nude women picnicking with clothed men in a park – challenged traditional artistic conventions. The composition is loose and asymmetrical, reflecting Manet’s departure from academic norms. The figures are rendered with a flat, almost photographic style, which contrasted with the meticulous detail of previous generations.

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The colors are vibrant and direct, seemingly capturing the natural light of the scene, yet they also have a modernist feel. The painting’s social significance stems from its representation of a burgeoning middle-class leisure culture, showcasing the changing social dynamics of the time. Manet’s bold choice of subject matter and his unconventional approach to representation were highly controversial, yet they also established his groundbreaking role in the development of Impressionism.

A Detailed Look at

The Rehearsal*

Degas’sThe Rehearsal* (1874) offers a compelling counterpoint to Manet’s work. This painting, showcasing a ballet rehearsal, embodies Degas’s keen eye for capturing the ephemeral and the movement of everyday life. The composition is dynamic, with figures positioned diagonally across the canvas, suggesting the fluidity and energy of the scene. Degas employs a muted palette of browns, grays, and pinks, creating a sense of intimacy and observation.

The figures are not idealized, but rendered with a certain realism, capturing the unguarded moments of the rehearsal. The painting’s social context reflects the growing popularity of ballet in Parisian society, particularly among the middle and upper classes. Degas’s unique perspective, focusing on the backstage aspects of the ballet, offered a new way of looking at a familiar subject.

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The techniques Degas used, including a combination of rapid brushstrokes and carefully considered forms, created a sense of both movement and stillness.

Additional Works by Manet

Manet’s

• Olympia* (1863) further exemplifies his challenging of established artistic conventions. This painting depicts a nude woman in a provocative pose, seemingly indifferent to the viewer. The bold colors and direct representation of the subject matter once again caused significant controversy. Another noteworthy work is
• A Bar at the Folies-Bergère* (1882), a complex portrayal of a barmaid, which foreshadows the anxieties and pressures of modern urban life. The painting’s fragmented perspective and muted color palette create a sense of isolation and the pressures of modern existence.

Additional Works by Degas

Degas’s

• The Little Dancer Aged Fourteen* (1881) presents a poignant study of a young dancer. The sculpture-like quality of the figure contrasts with the more painterly approach of other works.
• The Bellelli Family* (1870s) showcases his masterful ability to capture the intimacy and interactions of family life. This piece, with its muted tones and careful rendering of human emotion, highlights his skill in capturing everyday scenes. Degas’s
• Ballet Rehearsal* (1874), in addition to the earlier mentioned work, provides a detailed and compelling insight into the movement and interaction of the dancers, offering an intimate look at the rehearsal process.

Contextual Analysis

Manet and Degas, though seemingly separated by their distinct styles, were deeply intertwined with the social and political currents of their time. The Second French Empire, the rise of Impressionism, and the burgeoning middle class all profoundly influenced their artistic choices and the reception of their works. Understanding these contexts is crucial to appreciating the full meaning behind their masterpieces.The turbulent artistic and political climate of 19th-century France, marked by rapid social changes and evolving ideologies, directly impacted the development of both artists.

The rise of industrialization, the expansion of the middle class, and shifts in social values created a fertile ground for artistic experimentation and a new way of seeing the world. These external forces were not merely backdrop; they were active ingredients in shaping their artistic visions.

Impact of Social and Political Events

The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), a significant political event, profoundly affected the French society and art. The war’s aftermath, marked by social unrest and economic hardship, was reflected in the artistic output of the period. The anxieties and uncertainties of the time found expression in the works of Manet and Degas, albeit in different ways. Manet’s challenging portrayals of contemporary life, often seen as confrontational, can be understood in this context.

Overview of Artistic Movements

The 19th century witnessed a vibrant array of artistic movements. Realism, aiming for truthful representation of everyday life, provided a fertile ground for both Manet and Degas. Impressionism, with its emphasis on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light, emerged as a distinct style, attracting a new generation of artists. Both Manet and Degas, while reacting against established academic traditions, were significantly influenced by these evolving trends.

Influence on Artistic Styles

The artistic styles of the era profoundly shaped the choices of Manet and Degas. Realism’s commitment to accurate representation of contemporary life resonated with Manet’s desire to depict the world as he saw it, often confronting societal norms. Impressionism’s focus on light and atmosphere appealed to Degas’s desire to capture the ephemeral nature of movement and human interaction.

The artists’ approaches, while individualistic, were deeply rooted in the artistic movements of their time.

Social and Political Climate and Artistic Works

Social/Political Climate	Artistic Movement	Artist	Example of Artwork
Rise of the middle class; growing industrialization; changing social norms.	Realism; Impressionism	Manet	“Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe” (Lunch on the Grass). The depiction of a modern, non-elite gathering challenges the conventions of academic painting, reflecting the changing social landscape.
Franco-Prussian War; social unrest; economic hardship.	Realism; Impressionism	Degas	“The Rehearsal” (1874). The painting depicts a scene of ballet practice, which could be interpreted as an escape from the turbulent political atmosphere or a commentary on the superficiality of the artistic world.
Establishment of the Second French Empire	Realism; Impressionism	Both	“A Bar at the Folies-Bergère” (Manet). The depiction of a barmaid reflects the growing presence of women in public spaces during this period, reflecting the shift in social norms.
Influence of Japanese art	Impressionism	Degas	“The Rehearsal” (1874). Degas’s use of perspective and composition, influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, is evident in this piece.

Final Review

In conclusion, the relationship between Manet and Degas was a multifaceted tapestry woven with threads of friendship, rivalry, and mutual influence. Their distinct artistic styles, while sometimes in conflict, ultimately contributed to the rich tapestry of 19th-century art. The comparison of their works and interactions provides valuable insights into the evolution of artistic thought and the dynamic nature of creative partnerships.

Expert Answers

What were some of Manet and Degas’s common subjects?

Both artists depicted scenes of modern life, including portraits, cafes, and the ballet. They also explored themes of leisure, social interaction, and the human condition, though their approaches to these subjects differed significantly.

Did Manet and Degas exhibit together?

While not exhibiting together frequently, records show they were part of shared exhibitions. These occasions might have brought their work into direct comparison and, potentially, critical confrontation. More research into specific exhibitions is needed to establish definitive instances of simultaneous presentations.

How did the social and political climate of their time affect their art?

The socio-political upheavals of the 19th century, including the Franco-Prussian War and the rise of industrialization, profoundly impacted both artists’ work. Their paintings often reflected these turbulent times, either directly or indirectly.

What are some of the key differences in their artistic styles?

Manet is known for his bold brushstrokes, use of unmixed colors, and unflinching depictions of modern life. Degas, on the other hand, was known for his mastery of line, and focus on capturing movement and portraying scenes of everyday life, often from a unique perspective.