The Painter of Modern Life

"The Painter of Modern Life" is an essay by Charles Baudelaire, published in 1863, that explores the role of the artist in capturing the essence of contemporary life. Baudelaire discusses the importance of observing and depicting the social changes, urban landscapes, and fleeting moments of the modern world. He champions the work of Édouard Manet, arguing that artists should reflect the realities and experiences of their time, rather than merely replicate historical or idealized subjects. This concept has shaped modern art by encouraging artists to engage with and express the everyday life around them.