The Father of Impressionism: Édouard Manet: Great Art Explained:

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel. My other channel, Great BOOKS Explained can be found here - www.youtube.com/@greatbooksexplained371 - thanks so much for your amazing support - James

[@mrnobody-unowen]

Ooo! I’ve seen this one on Waldemar Janusczak. Excited to see what you make of it.

[@Mylesluvs80085]

Can you critique King Charles please 🥹🥺

[@PRODUCINGAKINDGENERATION]

Pavel Tchelitchew plzzzz

[@PRODUCINGAKINDGENERATION]

@israeldiegoriveragenius2th164patriarchy has always existed, male gaze has always existed. you’re incorrect

[@jdinnen1]

Great to see another video. Keep it up, don't worry about the deadlines, your quality is more important

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks! Will do!

[@kevincurrie2052]

I couldn’t agree more. I feel like I am getting a high quality education without learning the sofa!

[@natitafr2739]

@@kevincurrie2052 me too!!!!

[@rooms250]

Facts. I love these videos so much and I love rewatching them to pick up on what I might have missed the first time. I learn so much just absorbing the stories, both long and short. Would love to see a video on Leonora Carrington sometime soon.

[@babyblouie]

I feel like this is one of the very few channels where I actually learn something by watching, thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Happy to hear that!

[@errolsnipes]

Never ever stop what you are doing mate! You're a gift to humanity sharing these knowledges.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@splodge57]

I've always enjoyed looking at this painting. I knew of Victorine Meurant as Manet's favourite model but never realised she was a talented artist in her own right. Thank you.

[@MariaVosa]

Me neither - I really have to look up more of her work.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Unfortunately there are very few of her works that have survived

[@splodge57]

Just looked her up on Wikipedia, tells her story. A shame most of her paintings were lost.

[@janedoe3043]

Indeed, I would love to know more.

[@janedoe3043]

​@@splodge57I would assume they were destroyed if she was a lesbian. Historically queer figures would intentionally destroy their own evidence of their queerness to preserve their posterity. If they didn't, often the public would destroy much more of their work in retaliation for them having the gall to live outside social norms. It's a common reason for partial erasure of queer artists.

[@ChrisPelletier73]

Your essays are succinct and your delivery is measured and clear. I relish the quality of each and every video, thank you!

[@ediesedgwick4462]

Great scholarship, as usual. And thank you for defining the difference between "nude" and "naked."

[@sj33zy64]

13:05 that boy against the tree is literally how I'm watching this video, lmao.

[@nikmachen6561]

This is genuinely my favourite channel and, from looking at the comments, you've really hit on a format with wide appeal. From genuinely artsy folk to art simpletons, like myself, who like looking at art, but can't really explain why they do or much of what they are looking at. Your videos also have real rematch value for someone like me who doesn't retain everything at first viewing. If you ever turn your videos into a book, I would absolutely buy it.

[@GreatArtExplained]

It’s coming out Spring next year on Thames & Hudson. I’ll be plugging it here - thanks for your comment! 🙏

[@frankfisher9559]

In 2019 I had the pleasure of enjoying an exhibition of Manet’s work at the Art Institute in Chicago. One thing that struck me was even though he painted and sketched in almost a defiant manner, he encouraged his fellow artists to work within the system. Being accepted by the Paris Salon was important.

[@mintybadger6905]

I’ve been trying to “get” this painting for years and years. I’ve always felt this uneasiness when I’m looking at it - and at the and time, knew I was missing something. Now I know, thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wonderful!

[@Idkidkidkidk]

I’m reading on Manet right now. It’s hard to not feel like he stood alone in his greatness at that time. He is unreal.

[@stuartmcdonald5172]

Are you aware that this is the best channel on KZbin? And this particular video is another masterpiece along with Rothko & the original Hopper video. This made my day.

[@meredithbignell7333]

100% agree

[@softfirecrow]

What a perfect way to start a day! Breakfast and some art education😇

[@rcosl1]

Mr. Payne is a scholar of art. His videos are a gold mine for art lovers.

[@sunsan5815]

Great! As contemporary viewers sometimes we cannot see the significance of art from other times.

[@Fuchswinter]

I’ve been going to more art museums recently and with your explanations I can now go around and recognise more painters and appreciate the painting styles differently than before.

[@gerardnogues4814]

Thanks for making the world a better place

[@GreatArtExplained]

You are so kind 🙏

[@garssympa500]

Oh! I just love Édouard Manet. But I didn't know about his death... terrible, seeing that he brought us so much beauty! Thank you Mr. Payne.

[@qre268Zrtb]

I assumed everybody knew about his death, especially since he was born in the 1800's. 🙂

[@garssympa500]

@@qre268Zrtb Oops... that came out wrong. I didn't know HOW he died. ;-)

[@qre268Zrtb]

@@garssympa500 🙂I knew what you meant, I was being a smart ass. But soo happy you took it in good sprits. This set of video's is amazing, it really has been great in giving me an appreciation of the great artists.

[@garssympa500]

@@qre268Zrtb Me too! Unbelievable content... I always learn so many things.

[@laurensabino182]

I love when books break the fourth wall with the reader (Jane Eyre, for example) and I love it just as much when a painting does the same with its onlooker. As always, a lovely video!

[@belnick]

The best part is the social and artistic context of the period, painter and the painting. Very well explained, Bravo!

[@shivasgirl1609]

What a wonderful break from my afternoon tedium. Thank you!

[@shivasgirl1609]

Aw, a heart! Be still my own ❤

[@mehemerson]

Your videos are a triumph. Watching your essays and then having the opportunity to see the works in person is an absolute joy. After watching your videos on Rothko, Van Gogh and Ed Hopper, I have had the pleasure of seeing some of their paintings in person. Sharing the knowledge imparted by your videos has sparked real passion and discussion amongst my family. Thank you for these videos. This was another excellent watch

[@ronniea.4830]

Thank you for another outstanding art history lesson. Please never stop ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

More to come!

[@yorkieboy3913]

As a teacher, your videos are gold dust. Please keep it up!

[@MarkLiversedge]

I thought I knew this painting well. Ha! A monthly Saturday morning treat. You never miss.

[@nomachinesinthisroom]

If I had to choose which KZbin channel to take on an island, it would be this one by a great margin. Giggling aside, thank you for taking the time to compose these. You give me intellectual fruit and smoothly entertain me and each time contribute to my inner revolution. Be blessed onwards!

[@purpleblossom26]

Another well researched and beautifully spoken video! I'll take one of your lessons any day of the week!

[@lilybleue8888]

I don't know why I enjoy your videos so much. Is it the calm and well thought out narration? Or exceptional in depth content packed with expert knowledge? Or your interesting and friendly approach to the subject? Whatever it is, thank you so much.

[@stuartmcdonald5172]

That's very much how I feel. There is something magical about these videos.

[@ccdecker]

Great as always. I love nothing more than the authoritative "most people believe 'X', but that is untrue" moment in virtually every episode. 😂

[@GreatArtExplained]

🤣

[@SweetButDeadly101]

Everything I know about art is due to your informative channel. I never found it interesting until you pulled back the curtain and explained what the story behind each painter and painting at their time. Thank you for educating and inspiring me!

[@GreatArtExplained]

So glad, thanks! 🙏

[@MariaVosa]

It's awe inspiring how much you manage to fit into a 15 minute video. I admit I have had some problems as a woman how to feel about this painting, with the juxtaposition of the naked and half-naked women with the fully clothed men. The older painting was a revelation about what Manet was telling us! This puts it into a very thought provoking context. And I really appreciate learning more about Victorine Meurent - I would love a video essay giving us a fuller exposition in her life and art!

[@GreatArtExplained]

I would love to but we have so few records of her paintings as they were lost over the years

[@MariaVosa]

@@GreatArtExplained That is truly tragic

[@Alexis_-_]

Thanks for another great one! Manet was such a talented, subversive painter, and your explanations were very powerful. "She seems to be asking the question, 'What are you looking at?'" I love his use of black. You can see the influence of those Spanish painters.

[@angelaschwentker]

Saw this one at the Musée d'Orsay and was - impressed! And the topic is just as relevant today as it was then: How many women do you know that would actually say, "Hey, I'm totally comfortable with how my body looks and I obviously don't care what people think?" There are whole industries that make billions every day by suggesting women that they're not beautiful/young/stylish enough. Add the discussion about reproduction rights and the fact and that tv stations delay their live-broadcasts for a few seconds to be able "react correctly" if someone (female)'s body parts are exposed...

[@ScentsofStyle99]

OMG! I check EVERY DAY for a new Video. I'm so happy because this is such an iconic painting.

[@sharonkwan5732]

Your content are good enough to be compiled as a book!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Coming out spring 2025!

[@secretshaman189]

Great videos, thank-you! I am a professional artist and did not know the difference between "naked" and "nude". And contrary to your feeling that his women were not ideal, I see them as quite beautiful, but in a natural light. Keep going! Your stuff is great! Love your collection and commentaries!! ❤

[@curmudgeon1933]

The difference between 'ideal' and 'idealized' appears to be similar to the difference between reality and Instagram...or real music, and commercial Autotuned product. lol

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

My day has become better already, yay! Keep up the good work!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad to hear it!

[@margaretinsydney3856]

Another wonderful and informative video. Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@estellecmr]

I rarely watch your videos immediately when you release it, but it’s always a please to watch them and if my interest for painting is growing it’s mostly thanks to you so huge thanks

[@GreatArtExplained]

I appreciate that! Thanks 🙏

[@dixieechann]

This is one of my fav paintings and I was looking forward to it❤

[@Pattyjohnson476]

This is such a treat. Thank you !

[@andresf1984]

Your videos are such a treat - truly appreciate them

[@GreatArtExplained]

You are so kind

[@123654marto]

Where was this channel when I needed it. I feel that I saw so many works of art without having the background knowledge

[@johnprice866]

I wake up and get a notification that there's another 'Great Art Explained', I grab my coffee, and for a brief moment of the day, I'm in heaven.

[@GreatArtExplained]

What a nice thing to say - thank you 🙏

[@DrgnSpawn]

Thank you for another lesson on the history of art!

[@lb81559]

I love your channel and the fact that when you pronounce foreign names, you don’t hack them to pieces especially French!❤

[@iggyzorro2406]

we like Manet's work for its seeming imperfections. His approach and our appreciation of it is hard to consciously (sic) wrap your head around.

[@Nats_Notebook]

Edouard Manet and Victorine Meurent are two incredible artists, thanks for the educational video!

[@alainawilson918]

My favourite video yet! Loved the distinction between ‘nude’ and ‘naked’. Meurent is such a legend. Her expression is definitely what flips the script: she’s not ashamed and in fact almost makes the viewer feel as though they’re the one who is naked!

[@billthomas8205]

Thank you for elucidating us as to the wider context.

[@daandiid]

I love your videos, I've been binge watching most of them in the past few days/weeks. I'd love to watch a video about the Pre-Raphealite Brotherhood since I did a little research on them for my art course last year, these videos are so well curated.

[@Mr78monkey]

As ever I get to see paintings in a new light and understand them and their creators a little more. Thank you sir

[@jimmyzbike]

Wow. What skill as an artist. Great video

[@elainemccarthy2272]

Thank you for discussing the self-awareness and agency of Victorine Meurent, as well as the subject of a male gaze POV -- challenged my thinking of this magnificent work as an example of 19th century sexism by "just" seeing the dressed and the un-dressed

[@merrillsunderland8662]

Would love you to do a series on some of the female painters who you mention briefly in your videos, often muses of the men you feature. It would be a fascinating series: women who participated in and contributed to these movements who go largely unacknowledged

[@GreatArtExplained]

Yes I should - thanks 🙏

[@annettewillis2797]

Another great slice of art history James. So succinct but so detailed and deeply fascinating. I always learn something new watching your videos! Thanks so much!

[@kingnorkaiser]

i’ve been following since the mona lisa video and i am never ever disappointed. your hard work and expertise is always abundantly evident.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much for your continued support! James

[@taniaushinkina6879]

Just saw this painting in M’O and decided to rewatch the video. Thank you for your work ❤

[@sarahwatts7152]

I've always loved Olympia, never really thought about this one until now

[@henninghoefer]

Your videos are so perfect: Whether I didn't know the artist before (shame on me) or, like in this one, my previous knowledge was incomplete and wrong (I had always filed Manet just under "one of the impressionists") - with every video from you I learn a great deal and expand my horizon. Thank you James!

[@boogiman007]

so glad to see a new video from you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

More to come!

[@Pussaychop]

These usually start with me thinking ‘not really a fav of mine, but @GreatArtExplained is always so gdmf’n good i’ll watch anyhow.’ Thus always ending with ‘i’m a total phillistine, cant believe i didnt notice any of that, me Art badly.’ Thankoo for this.

[@dharmakaurkhalsa3923]

Thank you James again for this presentation/education. Fascinating how in the world of the Arts people have always created their own contribution to break the status quo and explore new possibilities awakening consciousness step by step... ❤

[@lesliealperin8241]

Thank you, James, for another eye-opening video! I hope you get as much pleasure from making them as we do viewing them.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Yes I love making them - thanks 🙏

[@LouisAmateurArt]

Thank you James. Marvellous as always. It would be fantastic to see a video solely on Victorine Meurent, and also Berthe Morisot, another of Manet's friends and favourites (and sister-in-law, of course). There were some wonderful women painters at that time, who had to fight against all of the conventions of their day, and I'm quite sure that you are the best KZbinr in the English language at portraying such people in an enlightening and sensitive manner.

[@BGTuyau]

Excellent points clearly made and well-explained about Manet's unique contributions to modern art -with key background details about his influences and models [e.g., Mlle. Meurent] and historical context. Well done.

[@rogersurridge96]

Once again, you've introduced me to a fine artist I've never even heard of - Victorine Meurent. Thank you!

[@nicolasfortizr6885]

I was saving this video to watch wothout a rush, and didn't fail to make my day. Thanks so much for this gift James, another great one!

[@hollywebster6844]

Very informative. I knew that Manet was lumped in with the Impressionists, but I didn't realize how very different he was. I particularly enjoyed learning some of the back story on his model/collaborator. Thank you!

[@eriktempelman2097]

Astounding analysis! I have known this painting for decades, but without these insights. Many thanks ❤

[@benjaminread5287]

You have always been very good at keeping your analysis objective and unmotivated (in the sense of no alternative agenda). I encourage you to keep this up! It's one of the key aspects that drew me to your informative videos. I fear I sense a slight sliding. Keep up the good work!

[@emiliomartinez1332]

One truly incredible painting, the Musée d'Orsay probably has the greatest collection of paintings in the world.

[@SkylaneGuy]

Fantastic content. Love your work!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@charrose4752]

Always delighted to see another video from you!!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

More to come!

[@rodmallen9041]

Your brilliant way of communicating and sharing is never disappointing.

[@beanalog8202]

Another 15 minutes of brilliance, thank you again James.

[@eoo-j9n]

Thank you so much for sharing art history. I had a lot of questions about Luncheon on the Grass, and your perfect lecture solved my curiosity. Your channel is a gemstone in KZbin. I'll continue to enjoy your future videos, thank you so much!

[@ericwestlund4597]

Love it, thank you. As an American living in Europe, you've opened my eye's to another world. Florence, Vienna, London, Basel, Rome, Paris, I've been to them all, and your education has made them all extra special. 🙏

[@Chopin1995]

Which city do you like the most? I've been only to London from those you mentioned. Paris fascinates me, due to my interest in Chopin, Debussy and Monet.

[@ashekrahaman4524]

James your videos are priceless. Thank you.

[@duuplo]

Great analysis on a very interesting painting! Thank you for putting this out there, I'm looking forward to more episodes!

[@svetlanadelight8969]

Thanks!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks!🙏

[@orlasheehan9541]

Fascinating as always. I look forward to your videos

[@maybepriyansh9193]

beautiful. absolutely beautiful and powerful

[@CascadianRain]

Your channel is such a gift! Thank you for all that you do.

[@Onefourtyfour]

These explanations are like art themselves, James. Thank you!

[@fmeu7733]

Very beautiful as always! Many thanks for the content, which is always a great joy for me to watch

[@irina9339]

Thank you!! Always a pleasure to Watch your videos

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like them!

[@kleerude]

I had no idea Manet used the same model for so many paintings! And that she was so interesting!

[@brookef2368]

One of my favourite artists, thank you for this!

[@paulandreigillesania5359]

It's really nice to know you took to heart our duggestion to continue the subject's musical themes throughout the intro 👏👏

[@Chizuru_Yukimura]

Omg so happy to see a new video! I’ve subscribed to this channel for over a year and each video gets me more excited to see what will I learn new!!!❤

[@JoelEZ1]

So much to learn with such ease. Love the lessons learnt. Wish you and you viewers greater passion.

[@ayah5705]

Always happy to see a new video! Thank you for the great work!

[@Semapho0ore]

Another amazing video. Thank you so much!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PbPongo]

Love your content bro. I look forward to every video

[@GreatArtExplained]

I appreciate that!

[@brrrogers]

you are the best at what you do, I wait with baited breath for your videos. Thanks so much

[@garmtpug]

This was extremely interesting! Manet's way of painting eyes made them the center of attention! He was quite a man. I was saddened to hear about his awful demise at such a young age! Thank you for your hard work!

[@lifeonanotherplanet]

Beautifully done - as always 👍

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@ShuklaAayushi]

What an excuisite coverage and explanation! Amazing work, as always. 👏👏