Differences between Manet and Monet

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Édouard Manet vs. Claude Monet[edit]

Édouard Manet (1832–1883) and Claude Monet (1840–1926) were central figures in the Parisian art scene of the 19th century. Despite[1] the similarity of their names and their friendship, their artistic approaches, subjects, and career paths showed distinct differences. Manet[2][3] is considered a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, while Monet was a founder and the most consistent practitioner of the Impressionist style. Manet[4] often depicted scenes of modern urban life with a focus on figures, whereas Monet concentrated on landscapes and the changing effects of light and atmosphere.

Comparison[1] Table[edit]

Category Édouard Manet Claude Monet
Artistic Movement A transitional figure between Realism and Impressionism. He never[5] exhibited with the Impressionists, preferring the official Salon. A founder and leading figure of Impressionism. The movement's name was derived from his painting Impression, Sunrise.
Subject Matter Primarily focused on people, portraits, and scenes of modern Parisian life, such as cafés and social gatherings. His works[1] often contained social commentary. Almost exclusively focused on landscapes, seascapes, and his garden at Giverny. He painted[1] series of the same subject to capture changes in light and seasons.
Brushwork Characterized by loose, direct brush strokes that simplified details, often with strong outlines and sharp contrasts between light and dark. Employed short, broken brushstrokes and flecks of unmixed color to capture the sensation of light and create a sense of movement.
Use of Color and Light Used a distinctive palette that often featured a bold use of black for contrast, which was uncharacteristic of the Impressionists. Focused[4] on capturing the transient effects of natural light. He avoided black, creating shadows with color, and often painted on light-colored canvases to enhance brightness.
Working Method Primarily a studio painter who worked from models and sketches. He often[1] spent a significant amount of time on a single painting. A dedicated en plein air (outdoor) painter. He often worked quickly on multiple canvases at once to match the changing conditions of light.
Key Works The Luncheon on the Grass (1863), Olympia (1863), A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882). Impression,[4] Sunrise (1872), Rouen Cathedral series (1892–1894), Water Lilies series (late 1890s–1926).
Venn diagram for Differences between Manet and Monet
Venn diagram comparing Differences between Manet and Monet


References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "impressionistarts.com". Retrieved January 02, 2026.
  2. "artmejo.com". Retrieved January 02, 2026.
  3. "quora.com". Retrieved January 02, 2026.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved January 02, 2026.
  5. "wikipedia.org". Retrieved January 02, 2026.