Description
The Luncheon on the Grass is one of the most famous paintings by the French artist Édouard Manet, created in 1863. The work depicts two men and a naked woman, in a forest clearing, enjoying a picnic lunch.
The interesting thing about this painting is that at the time it caused great controversy and scandal due to the realistic representation of a naked woman in the presence of two clothed men. This work broke with the aesthetic and social conventions of the time and was considered immoral and indecent by many critics and spectators.
Another interesting fact is that Manet was inspired by classical works of the Italian Renaissance, such as Giorgione's "The Tempest" and Michelangelo's "The Last Judgement", to create this work. However, unlike the classical works, Manet presented his characters in a contemporary setting and in a more realistic and raw manner, which was an innovation in the art of his time.
The painting was eventually rejected by the Paris Salon, the leading art exhibition of the time, prompting Manet and other artists to found their own alternative exhibition, known as the Salon des Rejectés. This event was a milestone in art history and contributed to the creation of avant-garde art movements such as Impressionism.
The Luncheon on the Grass is a testament to Manet's refusal to conform to convention and his initiation of a new freedom from traditional subjects and modes of representation. This painting can perhaps be considered as the starting point for modern art.
Luncheon on the Grass is ranked #95 on the list of famous paintings