Twice a week concerts were held at the Tuileries Gardens that Manet and other wealth artists and intellectuals loved to attend. This painting depicts one such event; Manet captures the full crowd of fashionably dressed individual bustling through to lush garden. The artist painted himself on the left of edge of the painting, partially cut off and obscured, he stands looking at the viewer, cane in hand. This painting highlights Manet's preoccupation with urban pleasures and luxury, he grew up in a wealthy family and enjoy the lifestyle throughout his days, preferring it to life in the country. This painting is considered by some to be the earliest example of modern painting due to its subject matter and technique.
SKU: 9303
Creator: Edouard Manet
Date: 1862
Original Medium: oil on canvas
Location: National Gallery London