Monet vs Manet

During the 19^th century France went to hell and back, starting with the collapse of the French Empire in 1870. At this time Napoleon III was defeated by the Prussian leader Otto von Bismarck.  Driven by distaste for the new Prussian government the people of France revolt, which is called the Paris Commune of 1871. During the Paris Commune many people were killed and war devastated until 1878 when things started to look up. To celebrate French accomplishment and a brighter future France holds a nation festival on June 30^th of 1878. This festival was depicted through impressionist painting by both Claude Monet and Edouard Manet. Both of these artists interpreted the festival through painting in very different ways, yet they maintain similarities as well. Similarities can be found in the way each of the works were composed however it is the subject matter and overall feel that differs.

Monet’s painting is titled The Rue Montorguil, Festival of 30^th of June 1878. Monet’s work produces and effect of celebration and vitality of a society. Our text describes Monet’s painting as “[transforming] the physicality of the streets and buildings into a blazing atmosphere of red, white and blue.” Monet’s painting is an impressionist painting. This is easily seen through the thick application of color and the overall spontaneity of the composition. The brush strokes are bold and visible. Blues, whites and reads are sprawled wildly though out the painting representing the presence of many French flags, as the people of France celebrate their “rebirth” as a society. On the street Monet painted hundreds of people all lively and sort of massing together into one cheerful society.

Edouard Manet’s painting is titled The Rue Mosnier with Flags. His painting like Monet’s is painted in the impressionist style. Similarly to Monet, Manet paints the street during the festival of June 30^th however the use of less color really gives the painting a completely different feel. It is a feeling of more reserve and is very sober. However the way in which Manet painted the building gives off a feeling of a very sunny and hopeful day because the sunlight seems to be gleaming off the surrounding buildings. Similarly to Monet, Manet painting has impressionist qualities because the brush strokes are still visible and slightly playful even though overall this painting has a very somber feeling.

I believe the main difference between Monet’s painting and those of Manet is the overall subject matter along with the mood and feel that are being emitted thought these works of art. Monet’s painting is filled with excitement just as the streets are filled with flags and people. The “brush stroke” looks give this impressionist painting a feeling of movement and cheer as the flags whip around in the air. Monet’s subject matter reflects the excitement and hopefulness felt by the citizens for France. Also it seems to be looking forward to a successful French Utopia now that the people are free of war and destruction. The message conveyed by the work of Manet is very different than that of Monet. Manet’s work gives off a much more serious and sort of more difficult to like feel. This is because of the focus on the crippled veteran and the continued work that is being done on the streets, in a hope to rebuild. Manet’s painting definitely gives off a more serious and somber feel with political backing.

Overall, despite the differences is subject matter and the overall feeling of each painting, Monet and Manet have given a really interesting spin of the Festival of June 30^th. Monet’s painting is definitely more bright and lively where Manets is much more reserved and somber.