Édouard Manet

Édouard Manet was a pivotal figure in 19th-century art, bridging realism and impressionism. While not a Symbolist himself, his work influenced the movement by prioritizing emotional expression over traditional form. Manet's paintings, like "Déjeuner sur l'herbe" and "Olympia," challenged societal norms and perceptions of beauty, often featuring modern subjects. His bold brushwork and unconventional compositions invited viewers to engage with deeper themes of identity and morality, laying groundwork for Symbolist artists who explored the relationship between reality and inner experience, emphasizing personal symbolism and emotional depth in their work.