Forget dry art textbooks. This is a story told by a friend. Théodore Duret wasn't a distant scholar; he was Manet's buddy, his early supporter, and one of his first serious collectors. He bought paintings like Olympia when Parisian critics were calling it a disgrace. This book is his firsthand account of the artistic earthquake that was Édouard Manet.

The Story

Duret walks us through Manet's life and career, from his early training to the explosive Salon exhibitions that made him infamous. He explains the paintings that caused riots—Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe with its nude woman picnicking with clothed men, Olympia with her confrontational gaze. But more than listing facts, Duret shows us the man behind the scandal: his character, his wit, his frustrations, and his unwavering belief in his own vision, even as the art world mocked him.

Why You Should Read It

It makes you feel the tension of the era. You get why Manet's loose brushwork and modern subjects felt like a slap in the face to tradition. Duret's perspective is priceless because he's not neutral. He's advocating for his friend's genius, making a case for him. Reading it, you become part of that small group of early believers. You see the birth of Impressionism not as a foregone conclusion, but as a risky, radical movement fought for by a handful of artists and supporters.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a good origin story. If you enjoy modern art, this is essential reading to understand where it all started. It's also great for people who like biographies with a personal touch. You're not just learning about art; you're getting to know the artist through the eyes of his champion. It’s a compelling reminder that today's masterpieces were often yesterday's jokes.