"I dont know why Im here. Everything before our eyes is ridiculous. The light is wrong, the shadows are wrong. When I enter in the studio I feel like I am entering a tomb [in the studio of their common art-teacher Thoman Couture ]. I know we cant make a model undress in the street. But there are fields, and at least in the summer we could do studies of the nude in the country, since the nude appears to be the first and the last word in art."
Édouard Manet was a French modernist painter. He was one of the first 19th-century artists to paint modern life, as well as a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism.
"My dear Zola, - I am making up my mind to hold a private show. I have at least two score pictures to exhibit. Ive already already been offered a site in a very good location near the Champ de Mars. I am going to stake the lot and seconded by men like yourself, am hopeful of success. See you soon. Cordially, yours ever, All of us here are delighted with your article, and I am instructed to send you thanks."
"Goodbye my dear Suzanne [his wife], your portraits are hanging in every corner of the bedroom, so I see you first and last thing.."
"No one knows what it feels like to be constantly insulted [by art-critics in Paris]. It sickens and destroys you.. .The fools! Theyve never stopped telling me Im inconsistent [in his painting style]; they couldnt have said anything more flattering."
"He has no talent at all, that boy! You, who are his friend, tell him please to give up painting."
"I was painting modern Paris while you were still painting Greek athletes.."
"Who is this Monet whose name sounds just like mine and who is taking advantage of my notoriety?"