This Painting Made The Critics Cringe

This painting titled The Luncheon on the Grass by Edouard Manet was outright rejected by critics in 1863. For the same reason it made Manet an absolute legend in the art world. There were many reasons why people were outraged by this painting, but the biggest reason was the subject. She was a real modern woman, not mythological, historical or biblical.
Manet was an absolute beast. Not just because he was an amazing artist, but also because he was brave enough to paint the world the way he saw it. And this painting is largely considered the turning point where he challenged centuries of rules made by the art establishment and opened the door for artists to paint what they wanted to, how they wanted to. This is why he is widely considered the father of modern art. Thank you for watching!!
#arthistory #art #classicart #fineart #manet

[@nitanice]

My art history teacher cited this as THE FIRST modern painting mostly because she is staring directly into the eyes of the observer. It's a favorite.

[@antoniocasias5545]

Um?

[@redblade8160]

Anita E You mean that the art teacher was staring straight into your eyes as being the observer?

[@Zzyzzyx]

But ... there are lots and lots of previous paintings in which the subject looks straight at the viewer. Going back centuries! There's nothing particularly modern about it.

[@thefirm4606]

I’d suggest turner was a modern artist a hundred years before this

[@redblade8160]

@@thefirm4606 You mean to say that, Turner was a modern artist a 100 years "before his time"?

[@frizlaw]

I remember seeing this painting in art books as a teenager and assuming -- without having any knowledge of art history or even general history for that matter -- that it was just depicting a normal scene in French life and that the woman in the foreground had no clothes on because they were all out in the countryside somewhere away from the city, so she decided she felt more comfortable without anything on. I further interpreted that the men's casual looks also indicated that this was perfectly normal behaviour for the time and place, and that this was just some custom peculiar to French society of the time. It's interesting to hear that in fact this was NOT normal and that the casualness of the nudity and the expressions of the men were seen as being unacceptable in a painting during that era. Ironically, the unusually depicted casualness of the painting was very much in line with the theme of everyday life in many of Manet's other paintings. Mind blown.

[@pxrays547]

Good points. Interesting that it was not the nudity or actions, but the context or portrayed attitudes of those involved.

[@redblade8160]

@badofi The female had just been gang-banged by the two men and she was just a little slower at putting her clothes back on!

[@minimal3734]

I perceived them similarly, as a group of bohemians who lived a lifestyle that did not conform to society's ideas.

[@redblade8160]

@@minimal3734 It would still be outlandish today to see this going on in the park!

I made a similar interpretation. I thought "oh well, they're French, they get naked & stuff". In fact, I assumed that originally the men were naked too but Manet didn't like painting naked men so he dressed up on the painting.

[@ropeburnsrussell]

Your videos are so much fun, but educational too. Thanks so much!

[@Art_Deco]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@ropeburnsrussell]

@@Art_Deco I love your videos, I wish they were longer.

[@Laocoon283]

Ka law ka kaw lmao

[@josephr.lejeune4539]

Brilliantly done! A real joy to take in. Thank you!

[@agent57]

I love that a number of Manet's paintings were influenced by (and sometimes a direct challenge to) Titian's work. When learning about it in art history, my instructor talked about a classical tradition of pretty much painting mistresses and courtesans into nude portraits as goddesses. Basically a way to produce salacious art under the auspices of classical allegory. Manet references these works, but using known, modern women as models, whose poses and gazes don't let the viewer objectify them.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi how’re you doing?

[@raisakuperman1760]

Isn't it obviously that woman feel her self quite confident with 2 young dressed "students " because there's no denjerous for her, they are gays, they are more interested in each others company, and ledy in the pound lesbian, what a nice company!

[@alexia3552]

Love that

[@MrWilcoxnick]

I remember my art teacher telling me that part of the reason this was so scandalous was because she was naked and they were clothed. She doesn't look embarrassed or shy, she knows exactly what she's doing and she chose to do it. A woman wasn't allowed to be in charge of her own sexuality, and the fact that she is in control of what the men see was deemed inappropriate.

[@petrmaly9087]

That's a very American and a very wrong approach to nudity. Nudity and sexuality are two different issues.

[@antoniocasias5545]

@@petrmaly9087 American? I wouldn’t say that

[@antoniocasias5545]

I don’t agree with the last parts but yeah if the men weren’t clothed I wonder what people would say hahahaha

[@MrWilcoxnick]

I'm not american for one and also where do you think north american settlers came from. furthermore, if this painting was rejected because of her expression not being pure, it's not much of a stretch to suppose opinions on female sexuality at the time this painting was made were not very progressive in regards to a woman in control.

[@petrmaly9087]

@@MrWilcoxnick And again, very American way of seeing things. Many American settlers were religious extremists from Britain, puritans who carried a mindset for which they were hated in old Europe, such as everything is sinful. That's the reason why Americans to this day make girls as young as toddlers wear bikini swimsuit, while in France even adult women sunbathe topless normally. When it comes to Women in control... Depends on what exactly. It is once again a very American belief that women were chained to the stove. By the time this was painted, in the Czech lands where I live the bestseller for several years already was "The Grandmother", a book considered the most important one in Czech to this day. It is about a strong, independent woman, managing an entire household by herself, raising her grandkids,, dealing with everyday struggle, giving advice to commoners and the aristocracy alike and being the most respected person in her neighborhood. Even dealing with stuff like "how to explain to a bunch of kids issues such as premarital sex, pregnancy, murder, death and such."

[@BigHenFor]

I'm glad you talked about Victorine, because I would guess her influence tipped his hand in Luncheon in both paintings.

[@benedicthargision828]

Several years ago I used to have this art history program on CD that talked about these paintings. But it didn't go into the same level of detail and history that you do. I love and appreciate the amount of work and research you go into.

[@a.l.a.7847]

Thank you for bringing Victorine more to life for us as the observers of her as the model in Manet's paintings as well as her as an artist in her own right. Keep doing what you're doing -- we love it!

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

You keep getting even better at this. The “cacaw, cacaw” was hilarious.

[@unintentionaltime]

Agreed!

[@Christina_Angel_2024]

What I love about art is when I draw something too big, it's a mistake. When Manet painted the woman too large - well, he did that on purpose🙃

[@emaarredondo-librarian]

Oh, yes. I always used light colors in art class in high school, and was always graded lesser than works with garish coloring. Later, as a librarian, processed a bunch of art books showing the work of great artists who used very light colors - or not color at all. Still want to get the arts teacher and show him.

[@Christina_Angel_2024]

@@emaarredondo-librarian Also, why Picasso's paintings are considered genius while kids' art is called simple and stupid🤔

[@emaarredondo-librarian]

@@Christina_Angel_2024 Jackson Pollock. That's my guy. Every time I see that kind of painting, and think I could have done the same and maybe better... I presume the answer is, they did paint their stuff which was unlike the stuff of everybody else, and created a successful narrative around it. Having a Picasso or a Pollock is not the same than having some guy's beautiful painting in your living room. I recommend you to watch a 1996 movie called "Basquiat." First movie directed by painter Julian Schnabel, who knew Basquiat. Great cast. It's interesting to have a painter's point of view about what makes another painter a good painter. ✌

[@Christina_Angel_2024]

@@emaarredondo-librarian The artists I spoke to claim that some known people simply make money on fools who call them geniuses... I do want to see the movie😊

[@patronsaintofpoison]

@Кристина Забелина There is a good reason for the distinction. Picasso could proficiently draw realism. His early work from when he was a teenager was realistic. It was only much later that he began his abstract work. Picasso was a professional artist, who spent practically his entire life developing and refining his skill. He had mastered realism BEFORE he chose to make abstract or representational art. It's totally different when a person makes abstract art purely because they suck at art.

[@abigaylarnold8505]

Love your opinion of this piece! I don’t know much about art. Thank you for helping me realize just how much detail goes into these paintings!

[@therabbithat]

More a history of people's reaction to it than information about the painting. No opinion and no credit given to the people who did the orignial research on it. not much about the painting. Isn't it an allegory? Each person represents a continent?

[@HadySmh]

More art deco videos = more of your calm voice 😮

[@JellybeansDrawings]

Yess

[@Quirky_QF]

Right? I could listen to her read the phone book.

[@iheartfriesss]

fr her voice is so amazing!

[@lu0844]

Yassssss!! ❤️

[@imlistening1137]

You have single-handedly stirred in me an interest in Art History. Thank you!

[@Meli_monster]

Love this painting, my art history teacher taught us about this. Wish you were making videos back then so I could of recommend them. Hoping one day you'll talk about Goya's paintings. Keep up those videos!!!!!

[@mohamedargoubi8640]

That era of beautiful art, I just admire those people.😌😉🎩

[@ankylosaruswrecks3189]

I love the education and illumination about art that I get from your videos. But the reason you're the only art channel I follow is because of how much fun your episodes are! Thank you!

[@lu0844]

X2

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

Let me guess what the painting is about - A well-known artist has been hired to give private drawing lessons to a wealthy student. For the life drawing part of the curriculum, they agree that "bathing women" is a classic subject, so they hire at least two models and head to the river to sketch. Now it is time for a break. One of the models has a bit of a crush on the artist. The artist is telling a story about his adventures and the student is imaging how great his life will be when he get to be a famous artist too. Another model is a little bored with all of them and goes to look at aquatic plants and minnows. We just stumbled on the scene, and the model who has the crush on the artist is annoyed with us.

[@EganDoris]

I saw this painting in a Paris museum many years ago. I remember I was hot and tired and the place was crowded, and I only had that afternoon to spend in that particular museum, so I forced myself grimly onward. My feet hurt. Oh, so the damned impressionists are upstairs? Great. I forced myself up the steps. There I saw this painting from afar, a crowd around it. I edged closer, little by little, till I was at the front -- and got a shock. I'd seen reproductions, but when you're standing right there, you can see the twinkle in her eye as she looks at you. My god, I thought, she's inviting you to share the joke! (Until that moment, I hadn't even known there WAS a joke.) As they say in television, she broke the fourth wall. I couldn't help the grin spreading over my face. I stared, then looked around, a little dazed, and met the eyes of a young man who had a disbelieving smile on his face -- the match to my own. I saw a lot of art in Paris, but this painting and the Rodin house are the two things I remember most.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@brooklynrocks2396]

I absolutely love your commentary and observations of paintings. You make me look at them through new eyes. I so much appreciate your input into what these paintings are. I see them in a new way I thought not possible. Thank you!!!!!!!

[@Sasha0927]

Your edits get me every time, lol. My heart goes out to poor Manet - the sad piano definitely sold it. He was brave, I'll give him that. It's a shame so many artists weren't honored until it was too late.

[@marygrummer9189]

Are you an Art History teacher? You should be! You make it so interesting and light-hearted. My Art History teacher in college was soooo😴😴😴

[@cgautz]

I enjoy that you show the painting on display.

[@dragonfire481]

"And yet so many people confuse him with this guy" Manet # Monet OH MY GOD!!!

[@Roberto-REME]

I love your videos. You are the best narrator: factual, light sarcasm, interesting snippets of history, light banter, etc.. I would love to see you do the narration for contemporary history ...like, 01.06 insurrection, etc.

[@WestOfEarth]

You have a real gift in presentation and analysis. I see your upload, I click play.

[@deuidicibus]

This was fascinating and illuminating. Thank you so much! I would love to hear a theory of the reason behind Manet's decision to play with the proportion of the woman bathing in the river--aside from simply flouting convention--if there is another theory for it.

[@gabbyblanchard]

another amazing video! i'm an animation major minoring in art history, and your videos are so interesting! even if i learn about these works in my classes, you provide so much additional information i haven't heard before. it's always a good day when you upload!

[@MrLarrySunshine]

This channel brings me so much joy! Thank you! 🕊♥️

[@wombat.6652]

I saw this painting as saying approx " you hypocrites" . This is what goes on in your studios and exhibitions, but you won't admit it. A naked woman surrounded by clothed men. Always loved it.

[@Manofvideos292]

I've learned so much from this channel. I actually want to go to art museums now to flex this new found knowledge.

[@portofthoughts4477]

I took four college level art history classes and you take me back to all of them 💗 Love your channel, love your videos!

[@KarlBunker]

I love this painting, I love the model, and I love your wonderful analyses in this video. Thank you so much!

[@katied2579]

I absolutely love your edits, you have to know a lot of subtle details about so many pieces to be able to pull them from their originals and use them so fittingly. Wonderful explanations of all the work in your videos, thank you so much

[@daveseddon5227]

Thanks for another delightful reveal. 😊❤

[@vsb101]

I can't express how much i love your channel! Thank you for your work

[@demarcusharrison3609]

Beautiful Thank you! 🙂

[@TomSuntotheMax]

I do agree with you - Manet was a beast. I couldn't believe it when I heard that, on being asked for criticism of one of Berthe Morrisot's paitings by Morrisot herself, he took up her palette and actually began to overpaint everything he thought was wrong. What kind of a louse does that???? Morrisot was mortified and had trouble signing the work that she thought was no longer even really her own. I would have kicked him in the balls, personally.

[@CaraTheStrange]

I love your channel, great editing and I’m learning about an aspect of history I’ve never before even been interested in and now love. Thank you for these videos!

[@tuscanyprevo5382]

Your knowledge and perceptions on historical paintings are wonderful; I love having your videos on while I paint!!

[@julecaesara482]

This is one of my favourites. I am so fed up with Venusses sprawling across the canvas but being "innocent and pure"

[@GorgoReptilicus]

I love your analysis on all the works. Thank you for your time and attention. The humourous edits are absolutely perfect

[@waynewest9719]

At university, I took an art "appreciation" class where you had to memorize 100 famous works of art. That was it; nothing more. I never learned a fig about how to appreciate art. I wish you had been my professor!

[@deadman746]

Ever since I was a kid I've seen this painting as commentary on academic artistic requirements. There's a nude and a still life and sort of a landscape and cloth detail. I do feel the bather is at least slightly mythological; she might be a naiad or something; it has that feel to me what with her being out of proportion. The nude is breaking the fourth wall saying, "All right, we've checked all your boxes. What are you going to do now?"

[@dragonshibari]

I first saw this painting as a 3d sculpture at Grounds For Sculpture, which had recently been re-done because the trees had outgrown the proportions of the painting. It was a gorgeous recreation, if not a little strange. Very nice to hear some history of it besides the commonly known stuff!

[@peterjongsma3221]

Very enlightening. I'm bingeing on this insightful and quirky art lady.

[@mrs.berganzo]

I've seen this in Musée d'Orsay, it's so magnificent.

[@edvinaspalujanskas3137]

Love that sound after 20 seconds. So funny. Of course, great video, no need to mention.

[@THEREALDANNYD]

I love your discussion and sense of humor and the little extra images thrown in.

[@WynterDragon]

I love your dialogue and explanations!

[@nannettefreeman7331]

Manet/Monet, caw-caw! You crack me up! If only my art history professor had been as entertaining & engaging...✌🏼

[@meaganlawler7536]

Thank you for these...they are witty, clever and highly enjoyable.

[@KombuchaBuzzed]

You make art history interesting. Thank you 🙏 I’m starting to love Manet the rebel. That makes him more of an artist.

[@timhideki]

Your content is absolutely amazing, I'm always waiting for the next one's, not only you give insight of the painting and educated, but also you add a little bit of humor that makes it more enjoyable and entertaining. Oh, and also can you please leave the auto translation on? I'm not really good at English hehe, thank you. Love your content. Edit: Thank you:))

[@619chrisoriginal]

I’ve literally watched three of your videos, and what I’ve noticed is that the art world then or just a bunch of rebels kind of like they are now❤❤❤

[@yo_rukyy]

Holy cow, I i was studying this painting a few weeks ago, like during the last few weeks of december 2022, very helpful and somewhat comedic take :))

[@MinecraftKing-nd1zo]

I love this painting! It really makes you feel like the woman is gleaming into our eyes relaxedly, letting us decide what’s going on for ourselves

[@seal8092]

He captured the beauty of reality. And that’s awesome.

[@arthurjeremypearson]

Til Manet and Monet we're two different guys. What a difference a vowel makes!

[@pliktl]

Victorine ❤ Her passion for art lives on through the brushstrokes of those who loved working with her ❤ Being an art model is pretty rad actually

[@maryrnbsn5114]

Your comentaries are informative yet hilarious. I really enjoy your channel.

[@erinconroy9813]

I eagerly await each of your videos!

[@pokemaster6101]

Another video - always excited

[@Art_Deco]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@pokemaster6101]

@@Art_Deco it was very thoughtful, and I'm always impressed on how much you convey about paintings I've seen before but never fully analyzed/researched

[@daryllv1452]

Love your videos. Informative and the commentaries are fun. You make me appreciate art more. ❤❤❤

[@Calebjoyemusic]

Love the bird call in the beginning! 😅 you are brilliant

[@andrzejmaranda3699]

Art Deco: BEAUTIFUL, MOVING!

[@monkeyboy4746]

I always thought that she was bored, she and her friend went out with these two guys for a picnic. The two guys become involved in some conversation about philosophy, politics, or the price of fish. She's basically asking, "what do I have to do to get some attention?". She is imploring the viewer of the painting to swoop in and rescue her from this situation.

[@Nathan_Bookwurm]

I don't really like nude art, but I love that this woman is so much more realistic than the overly skinny society wants women to be nowadays.

[@myentertainment55]

So glad I subscribed to this channel. I never was a fan of art , but you bring so much stories and context wich makes it interesting and captivating. No , I don't hate art, I took painting classes with tutor when I was at University.

[@ajmittendorf]

I am a HUGE fan of your work!

[@giraffequeen9437]

He is one of my favorite artists!

[@ayenayen3806]

I love Manet!! I remember I was assigned to report his works in our class and just being obsessed with them. I specially love 'bar at the folies-bergère'

[@bobe3250]

Love it! So nice to hear stories about these early photographers. Though I truly love to look at photography there is nothing like looking at the real thing.

[@pagano60]

"Nymphs and Satyr," briefly glimpsed in this video, deserves its own essay as an example of subversive art.

[@decrepitoldbeauties]

Another great video!🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@amberspecter]

I love the idea of a scene in which two fully clothed men hang out with a fully naked woman, like it's nothing. It's so surreal, I can imagine the guy on the right telling some normal story, "And then my granny said 'I will not have gerogian junk in my flat'."

[@marshmellowqueen3388]

i got so happy to see yet another videoo love it

[@Mr_C.Bacteria]

I love your videos, I've been bingeing them 😃 your explanations are so informative, I've learned of many paintings which I didn't even know existed, the stories behind them, and I've learned more about our history. Thank you for your work 😊

[@syedmazharhasan6803]

In Downton Abbey, The Dowager Countess mentions this painting by its French name, "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe" 😄

[@connieembury1]

Great video! Keep them coming please.

[@kirinrex]

Wow. Fantastic. Entertaining, funny, active ... but also so interesting and informative. Fantastic video!

[@MrArdytube]

Thanks…. I had heard his name, but never thought about him. It is actually so interesting to consider that there would have been a moment where it was groundbreaking to let slip the veil of artistic idealization ❤

[@RequiemAeternam01]

Your channel is absolutely amazing! You're so knowledgeable and showcase your artistic intelligence in such a fun, quirky way. Also, would you be able to take on the task of The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch? I know that there's...well, a lot to cover, but even if you split it into multiple videos. Anyway, it's just a suggestion.

[@realityjunky]

Manet's brushwork may have been blunt in some paintings but THAT PARROT is f*cking perfect!! Now I feel the need to look through all of his work and see if he takes more care with animals than humans. Although, I may have my answer already because THAT CAT. That cat is just whack. Thank you for another wonderful video!

[@uppitywoman3647]

Getting rejected from the Paris art scene is now on my bucket list.

[@marjoriegarner5369]

Just love your site. Thank you.

[@alastorcrowe2193]

Yay!! New post!!

[@australiannie822]

There was a copy of this painting in my high school art rooms. We were told the story behind it by one of our teachers, but I'd honestly forgotten all about it until now. It's so interesting to hear it again after so many years. These days I doubt a high school would be permitted to display it in their art rooms for fear of parental reprisals. Perhaps we've taken some artistic steps backward into the era of the painting 😂

[@tabithas1554]

You are brilliant! I really enjoy your descriptions. Love your channel! 🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥

[@spacecaptain9188]

I'd call it "Still not asking for it". Well done.

[@corner559]

Just found this channel. These videos are fantastic.

[@cgautz]

Thanks!

[@Art_Deco]

Thank you so much, Chris!

[@danieldale7320]

I really enjoy your perspective and your extensive knowledge, although I thought this video ended abruptly. Please keep doing what you're doing. I always look forward to new videos from you. These feed my creative soul 🎨🖌️...

[@rachelnonamaker7118]

I love your channel! Informational, insightful, funny, concise. Keep up the great work!

[@TheGhostoftheCosmos]

God, these videos are so good, I think I have watch all of them

[@carolinegjervoldstad823]

Looking forward every time you share a video. ❤

[@landontakeamericaback2106]

Wonderful painting

[@jacquimg2469]

I love your videos. That’s it. I learn art history, cultural history, a history of the artist and get an entertaining art critique. Thank you!

[@fermentedpenny5264]

I love these videos, I always feel a lot more cultured after lol thank you!

[@laurag7295]

I really love your channel. Please keep these paintings coming! Just fascinating!

[@theorderofthebees7308]

Love your videos, In learn so much your style is fun , flirty and confident.