Manet's Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe: Analysis & Context

Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe by Édouard Manet

Painting Information

• Location: Musée d'Orsay, Paris
• Artist: Édouard Manet
• Style: Impressionism
• Date: 1863
• Technique: Oil on canvas

Historical Context

The 19th century was a time of profound political, economic, and cultural change. The Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution were particularly influential. Napoleon expanded French influence throughout Europe. The victorious European monarchies, absolute monarchies, were restored; this is known as the Restoration period.

Cultural Context

Three major artistic movements characterized this stage: Neoclassicism, Realism, and Romanticism.

Impressionist Painting

• Impressionists painted everyday scenes, often *en plein air* (outdoors).
• Landscape was the most important genre.
• They used color theory extensively.
• Perspective was achieved by reducing the intensity of colors and tones.
• Commonly used colors: blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and violet.

Key Impressionist Painters

• Édouard Manet (1832-1883): Gave great importance to light, conveying feeling, and depicting everyday life. Notable works include *Lola de Valence* and *The Balcony*.
• Claude Monet (1840-1926): Considered the quintessential Impressionist painter, focusing on light. He began painting landscapes *en plein air* in 1856. Notable works: *Rouen Cathedral* series, *The Grenouillère*.

Description of *Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe*

Composition

Three human figures occupy the central space: a naked woman and two dressed men. The two figures on the left turn their faces toward the viewer, but only the woman's eyes meet the viewer's gaze. The other man is shown with an arm posture that suggests he is speaking. In the background, there is a river with another woman and a boat. In the bottom left corner, there is a basket of fruit (the remains of a meal, which gives the work its name) and the figures' clothes. The whole scene is surrounded by trees.

Visual Elements

Green predominates in the work. The combination of various green tones gives the illusion of transparency in the river water. The human figures are presented as flat areas of color without chiaroscuro and are drawn without contour lines. Light is conveyed through the use of color.

Function and Intention

Manet's intention in painting this work was to exhibit it in the Salon, which was the best way to attract clients at the time.