Manet and Degas: Friendship, Rivalry, and Mutual Inspiration
Monsieur and Madame Édouard Manet (1868–1869) - Edgar Degas. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
As contemporaries during both the Realism (c. 1840–1900) and Impressionism (c. 1860–1890) movements, artists Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas had a complex relationship. From inspiring some of each other’s work to capturing each other’s likenesses, they were as much rivals as they were friends. Their mutual influence, as well as their artistic differences are evident in some of their best-known paintings.
Keep reading to learn more about both the relationship and paintings of Manet and Degas.
Édouard Manet’s Distinctive Style
Olympia – Édouard Manet, 1863. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Berthe Morisot with a bouquet of violets – Édouard Manet, 1872. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Born in Paris, Édouard Manet (1832–1883) played a critical role in connecting Realism and Impressionism. Manet painted from his own life experiences, drawing inspiration from his personal surroundings and social circles, rather than relying solely on imagination. This approach seamlessly bridged these two artistic movements. His career mirrored the transition from Realism to Impressionism. While his early works leaned towards Realism, his later paintings adopted a more Impressionistic style, especially after his encounter with Degas.
Manet’s most iconic paintings typically feature a single or small group of human subjects that command the attention of the viewer.
Some of his best-known works include his Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets (1872), The Balcony (1869) and Olympia (1863). Olympia was by far Manet’s most scandalous painting; at the time of its creation, with its subject’s defiant stare eliciting strong reactions from viewers, who perceived it as vulgar at the time.
Edgar Degas Adds to the Picture
Racehorses at Longchamp (1871–1874) – Edgar Degas. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
As Manet’s contemporary, Edgar Degas (1834–1917) occupied both the Impressionism and Realism movements, although he personally identified as a Realist. Degas was renowned for his use of oil paint, fluid linework and asymmetry. He also mastered the use of pastels throughout his career. A medium that Manet did not explore until later in his career.
Edgar Degas – Girl carrying flowers in her apron, 1862. Sold for CHF 1,000,000 via Galerie Dreyfus (December 2022).
Degas’ paintings span a wide range of subjects and motifs. Some themes common throughout his work are depictions of dancers, horse races, nudes, and scenes of daily life. His most famous works include L’Absinthe (1876), Racehorses at Longchamp (1871–1874), and Girl Carrying Flowers in Her Apron (1862).
Girl Carrying Flowers in Her Apron particularly showcases Degas’ Impressionistic tendencies, with a bright, young girl emerging from a dark background, creating an element of ambiguity. Her appearance, almost resembling a dancer taking a final bow, and the presence of flowers in her apron add a captivating tension to the painting.
Synergy and Tension Between Manet and Degas
Manet and Degas met in 1862 at the Louvre, where they both attempted to emulate Diego Velásquez’s 1659 painting Infanta Margarita. Manet, slightly older than Degas, was struck by Degas’ confidence, working directly on an engraving plate rather than sketching a draft. The pair bonded over their mutual love for visual art as well as their obvious skill.
-
- Plum Brandy – Édouard Manet, 1877. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
-
- L’Absinthe – Edgar Degas, 1876. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Despite some commonalities in their background and craft, their relationship was marked by rivalry and creative tension. While both came from bourgeois families and had dismissed familial pressures to pursue law in favor of art, their artistic styles had distinct differences. Manet favored broad, sweeping strokes of vibrant color, while Degas’ work was often more precise and muted.
Their friendship ended in 1869 after Degas painted Monsieur and Madame Édouard Manet, which displeased Manet. He removed Madame Manet from the canvas, signaling the decline of their relationship.
The Balcony – Édouard Manet, 1869. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Where to view Manet and Degas Paintings
Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France
Although Manet and Degas both gained their initial notoriety in their native France, interested viewers can find their artwork at museums across the world. However, many of Manet’s and Degas’ paintings are housed in Paris’ Musée d’orsay. These include paintings such as Manet’s ‘Olympia’ and ‘The Balcony,’ and Degas’ ‘Absinthe’ and his 1873–1876 painting ‘La Classe de danse.’ Currently, only the latter is on display, while the others remain in the museum’s ownership.
National Gallery of Art & the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, United States
In the United States, viewers can find Manet and Degas paintings in museums including the National Gallery of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The National Gallery houses works such as Manet’s 1862 painting ‘The Old Musician’ and Degas’ 1871 painting ‘Horses in a Meadow.’ The Metropolitan Museum of Art displays Manet’s 1880 painting ‘Madame Manet’ and Degas’ circa 1870 painting ‘Sulking.’
Perhaps the best way to be proximate to some of the most moving works from Manet and Degas is to explore online auction marketplaces. Manet and Degas have robust collections of work available at auction, and exploring what’s available can help you discover your favorite aspects of their styles.
Whether you prefer Manet’s eye-catching colors and loose strokes or Degas’ controlled and sophisticated subtlety, online auctions can give you meaningful insight into what’s available. The next piece in your painting collection just might be a Manet or a Degas.
