Art Integrity

Art Integrity

To bring the highest quality art to life, we collaborate directly with individual artists, international museums, galleries, foundations, and libraries to verify color and accuracy. This way you get the most true-to-life experience second only to an in-person viewing.

Durability

Durability

Our hardcover trade books are Smyth-sewn with lay-flat binding. Our puzzle pieces are thick, interlock immaculately, and have minimal dust. And all of our products are printed on high-quality art reproduction paper with minimal glare, ensuring your long-lasting enjoyment.

Environmental

Sustainability

To respect the art and the earth, our calendars, notecards, puzzles, and many other products are printed with safe, environmentally responsible inks, paper, and materials.

Human Connection

Human Connection

Every order is packed, checked, and shipped by experts from our warehouse in Portland, Oregon. We don't outsource any of our warehousing or distribution.

Edouard Manet: Impressionist Iconoclast



Édouard Manet (1832-1883) was a groundbreaking French painter who played a pivotal role in the transition from traditional to modern art. Born in Paris, France, Manet's artistic journey was marked by innovation, controversy, and a determination to challenge the established norms of his time.



Manet received early artistic training but chose to pursue his own path, which often put him at odds with the art world. He became associated with a group of artists who later formed the Impressionist movement, although Manet himself was never an official member of the Impressionist circle.



One of Manet's defining characteristics as an artist was his commitment to capturing contemporary life. He had a keen eye for the everyday scenes of Parisian society, and his work often depicted subjects such as cafes, boating parties, and street scenes. His paintings, like "Olympia" and "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe," challenged traditional artistic conventions, sparking controversy and debate.



Manet's approach to painting departed from the meticulous detail of academic art. He favored bold brushwork and a focus on the arrangement of color and light, a style that would become a hallmark of Impressionism. His work blurred the lines between realism and abstraction, contributing to the transformation of art in the 19th century.



Throughout his career, Manet faced criticism and rejection from the official art establishment. However, he also found support among a group of fellow artists and intellectuals who recognized the significance of his work. Over time, his art began to gain recognition and influence the next generation of artists.



EÉdouard Manet's legacy endures as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern art. His innovative approach to painting laid the foundation for the Impressionist movement and had a profound impact on subsequent art movements, from Post-Impressionism to modernism. His willingness to challenge artistic conventions and his dedication to capturing the essence of contemporary life continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Manet's work remains a testament to the power of art to push boundaries, provoke thought, and shape the course of artistic history.