MUSEE ORSAY, Manet Dejeuner Sur L'herbe

The painting before you entitled "Dejeuner sur l'herbe", or "Luncheon on the Grass" is by Edouard Manet. It is a true milestone in art history, even more importantly because it symbolizes the birth of the new impressionist painting school.

Since it was first exhibited in 1863, this work has prompted scandal and indignation.

The painting was displayed at the "Salon des Refusés", or the "Hall of the Rejects", which Emperor Napoleon III had set up to host all the works that had been excluded from the "Salon" of works selected by the Academy of Fine Arts. The most "scandalous" figure is Victorine Meurent, Manet's favorite model, who you can see sitting on the grass in the foreground, fully nude. Not at all troubled, she intensely stares in your direction, almost as if she wants to involve you in the scene. The two men beside her are Eugène, Manet's brother, and his future brother-in-law. In the background a woman with barely any clothes on steps into a pond. To the left you can see Victorine's clothes on the grass with a bottle and a basket, making for a beautiful still life. The scene is framed by trees, making it more theatrical....