This week, I am taking a look at Edouard Manet's A Bar at The Folies Bergere, which is in the collection of London's Courtauld Institute. It is considered Manet's last major work and remains one of his most famous. As discussed below, this painting is in several ways similar to Manet's Corner of a Cafe Concert, which I discussed last week. The painting presents a scene from a lively evening at the Folies Bergere. Manet frequented the cafes and music halls that were becoming popular in Paris in the second half of the 19 th century often bringing with him a sketch pad. The Folies Bergere opened in 1869 and soon became one of the most popular of these venues. It offered operettas and pantomimes at that time. At the time of Manet's painting, the lavish, semi- nude spectaculars which are associated with the Folies Bergere were still in the future. The painting was done in 1882. Manet did a series of preparatory sketches and then re-created a bar in ...
I grew up with art. Both my mother and father were artists. Not surprisingly, I have always done artwork. However, my primary focus for most of my life has been elsewhere - - music, law, writing and travel. Now, I am returning home. This blog reflects that journey homeward. My intent is to write about my thoughts on art, art technique and to review other art that I have seen. Some of my artwork can be seen at http://www.beyondshipsart.com