Édouard Manet (1832–1883) was a French painter and a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Born in Paris into an affluent family, Manet initially pursued a career in the French Navy before turning to art against his father's wishes.

Manet's early works were influenced by Spanish painters like Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya, as well as the Dutch artist Frans Hals. His painting style challenged traditional academic techniques, and he became a central figure in the avant-garde art scene of 19th-century Paris.

One of Manet's groundbreaking paintings is "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe" (Luncheon on the Grass), completed in 1863. This work, with its bold composition and depiction of a nude woman alongside clothed men in a contemporary setting, stirred controversy and marked a departure from conventional artistic norms.

In 1865, Manet presented another iconic painting, "Olympia," a bold and provocative portrayal of a reclining nude woman gazing directly at the viewer. Like "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe," "Olympia" challenged societal expectations and garnered both criticism and admiration.

Manet's participation in the Salon des Refusés in 1863, a show featuring rejected works by the official Salon jury, solidified his association with the emerging Impressionist movement. His innovative use of colour, loose brushwork, and focus on capturing the effects of light are evident in works such as "Music in the Tuileries Gardens."

In the latter part of his career, Manet continued to experiment with his art, combining classical themes with contemporary subjects. He painted "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère" in 1882, which is considered one of his masterpieces.

Édouard Manet's contributions to modern art were substantial, influencing not only the Impressionists but also subsequent movements. His legacy endures as a key figure who challenged artistic conventions and paved the way for the revolutionary changes in art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.