What was Edouard Manet famous for?

Edouard Manet was famous for his work as a painter during the 19th century. He was one of the first artists of his time to paint modern life and a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Born into an upper-class household with strong political connections, the French artist rejected the future originally envisioned for him and became engrossed in the world of painting. His early masterworks, The Luncheon on the Grass and Olympia, both made in 1863, caused great controversy and served as rallying points for the young painters who would establish Impressionism. Today, these are considered watershed paintings that mark the start of modern art. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Edouard Manet art.