Still lifes by Manet

Manet's still lifes, between tradition and modernity, evoke an elegant and sensual world. Unlike Courbet, who set his themes in a prosaic reality, or Cézanne, whose vision was voluntarily distant, Manet found inspiration in the most ordinary subjects, to which he gave a carnal presence. In spite of their simplicity, his compositions were subtly elaborate, whether they be a lemon, an asparagus, violets, peonies… Some of these small intimate paintings were intended for a friend or a loved woman. The final bouquets, garden flowers freshly cut and set in a crystal vase, testify to his immense thirst for life.

More than half the paintings and watercolours realised by the artist on this theme are gathered here for the first time.