Luncheon on the Grass by Edouard Manet

     My first thought when I saw Edouard Manet's painting Les Dejuener Sur' L'Herbe was that he broke barriers. The painting he portrayed does not display something one would have seen in 1863. The nude women in the painting is not portrayed as a divine figure; she is just a naked women having lunch. Observers find her naked next to two well dressed gentlemen. It is as if Manet used the space to deliver a message that women are in control of their bodies. He portrayed the women as though it was her choice to be naked in a time where that was not the "norm." This concept is felt as her hat and polka dot dress lay beside her. It is also felt as the women in the background bathes fully clothed in the river. Although the women is placed in the background she is the same size as the three people placed in the foreground. Manet's placement of the women in the river emphasizes the nudity of the women in the foreground. When I look at the painting I feel as though the nude women is aware of her choice. Manet allowed viewers to sense this as she looks forward at the observers. The placement of her gaze makes the observers believe that she is conscious and in control of her decision. Manet not only broke barriers through his message, but did so with the detail he included within the painting. His use of color is strategic. For example, the nude women's clothes are the only trace of blue within the painting. Manet also detailed the food and people so intricately, it is as if those observing the painting are having lunch as well. He also chose to lighten the areas he wanted observers to focus on. I love the detail displayed in Les Dejuener Sur' L'Herbe or Luncheon on the Grass.