Salon Rejection of Paintings

Manet was regarded as a flâneur (a man-about-town, a ladies’ man, a player). His paintings, The Absinthe Drinker/The Philosopher (1859) and The Luncheon on the Grass (1863) were rejected by the Salon at the Louvre. Identify and explain one reason why the Salon may have rejected these paintings, and whether you think his reputation may have influenced the decision.

I feel that The Absinthe Drinker/The Philosopher (1859) was rejected by the Salon at the Louvre because the subject matter was portrayed as a drunk. I feel The Luncheon on the Grass (1863) was rejected by the Salon at the Louvre because of the painting was portrayed as being scandalous.

Explain whether you think Manet’s Olympia was meant to shock the viewers of his time and why. Explain whether the painting would have a similar impact on viewers today.

I do feel that Manet’s OlympiaI was meant to shock the viewers of his time. In the painting he not only portrays the woman being a prostitute but it always has her black maid bringing her flowers; which showcases slavery. I don’t think that the impact would be the same today, because slavery sexuality is known and slavery is known in history.

While Manet’s art was considered part of the avant-garde, opera was the entertainment for the more conventional bourgeoisie. Describe how Verdi or Wagner introduced ways of making opera more innovative and even controversial. Speculate on how audiences may have reacted.

Verdi believed opera should be dramatically realistic. The drama was expressed through the characters’ temperament or situation in sustained melodies.