Introduction
Édouard Manet has been regarded as a classic yet controversial figure in the history of art. His classical works have been found to contain intentional mistakes with deeper meaning. One such artwork is A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1881–1882).
Painting Description
In simple terms, the painting depicts a counter at one of the most popular nightspots in Paris, where a barmaid has arrived to serve a male customer. The customer has worn a top hat and a mustache while portraying his masculinity. On the right side of the portrait is a reflection of the back side of the barmaid in the mirror that covers the entire wall. The most confusing part is how he has arranged the walkways, chairs, and counters staffed with fiercely roughed women.
Painting Critique
Even though some people consider the painting ugly and meaningless, other scholars believe that it is superb and has an outstanding quality in revealing several issues that occurred during the time. It is upon these confusion backdrops that this paper aims to prove that such intentional confusion was highly intended to help promote a deeper meaning in the arts field. The paper will discuss the more profound mysteries presented through the artist’s lens and reveal to the audience the ideal meaning.
Visual Composition and Realism in Manet’s Painting
Visually, the painting presents one of the opportunities to realistically convey the ideas. He has utilized various elements, such as space, color, and form, to enhance the elements and make his work as straightforward as possible. Manet sought to employ such a form of confusion to create realism and convey a deeper meaning in his artistic work. He aimed to demonstrate to the world that a single portrait can have multiple meanings, especially when presented effectively.
For example, in the mirror reflection, one can see the audience sitting on the balcony while looking at the stage. The bar features a marble counter with a selection of champagne, beer, and wine. The legs of the trapeze artists are also a clear indication that the show was attended by a large crowd within the area and beyond.
Symbolism of the Mirror and the Empowerment of the Barmaid
The mystery of the painting is the vintage reflection of the woman’s back. This reflection in the mirror is believed to be transformative, changing every aspect of art into something magical. In other words, people can see spectacular things behind the barmaid’s back through emulation. Her vintage in the mirror makes her the center of attention, thus proving women to be a global driving force. Her mega reflection indicates the barmaid’s ability to control almost all activities occurring within the location and beyond.
Her reflection suggests that she can care for most customers who have arrived in the lounge. In other words, it indicates that the barmaid was dedicated and ready to work to provide for their family. Thus, the above artistic approach clearly reflects not a weak woman but a determined person prepared to do everything to achieve the best in their lives.
The Social Mirror Theory and the Reflection of Female Subjectivity
One of the most compelling theories Manet has presented is the Social Mirror Theory. What is apparent in the picture is that Manet uses the mirror to reflect the barmaid’s world from the viewpoints of others. Using the theory, he has provided her with a vantage point, thus facilitating her subjectivity. It is an ingenious way of making her the primary focus of the painting. In this manner, she becomes not only a subject of discussion but also a subject of her life.
The reflection further highlights the challenging life that these barmaids may have faced during their work, primarily due to serving the large number of attendees. It is most likely to be presented as a prostitute parading her desires to potential clients. The woman’s gaze is highly captivating, drawing in potential clients, such as the man standing before her.
Themes of Transience, Pleasure, and Mortality in Manet’s Work
Art scholars have proven that Manet’s works are masterpieces that showcase the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of human mortality. The mirrors undoubtedly reflected the narcissism and strenuous life the women faced in serving their lords, who had come to enjoy themselves in the bars. The varieties of alcohol, beer, and champagne indicate worldly pleasures that people sometimes take the opportunity to enjoy.
Finally, he includes the flowers and fruits in the painting to demonstrate fleeting and short-lived phenomena. Thus, although the artwork may seem confusing, it holds a more significant meaning in the human desire to appreciate a short life. His presentation perfectly shows all the things most people desire before imminent death.
Gender Representation and the Objectification of Women
Manet has blended a traditional motif with a modern setting to continue creating more meaning in his paintings. The presented bowl of organs suggests that the lady working at the counter is a slut. The above presentation is a perfect example of discrimination against women.
In other words, women have been presented as objects to serve the interests of men, such as sex and pleasure. For example, at the counter, the lady is seen serving the man various varieties of alcohol. On the other hand, the artist has managed to show her cleavage, therefore exposing her sexual desires to the audience. Even though some people may not understand the implication, the artist’s main aim was to show women’s role as objects of pleasure and sex.
Ambiguity and Emotional Depth in the Barmaid’s Expression
Manet’s brilliance in an artistic presentation can further lead to perpetual questioning on how he depicts the barmaid. For instance, the barmaid maintains an ambiguous demeanor that hovers between disenchantment and assertiveness. She stands out, meeting the gaze of the audience while simultaneously drawing away from it, thereby indicating her intentions. Some scholars believe that her eye helps keep the work fresh and exciting to the audience, while it is a struggle and unintentional to her.
Therefore, the work presents how these ladies who work in the bars sometimes operate against their will. That means, even though the world may be celebrating, in their opinion, they usually have nothing much to enjoy but to submit and get their daily bread. In other words, women working in some of these environments sometimes may not want the work and thus may turn their back, as shown in the mirror.
Reflection of Parisian Society and Class in the 1880s
The painting further details the milieu and the social class that existed during that period. According to historical records, the 1880s were the peak of a new revolution in Paris. During these times, most people had the opportunity to pursue better education, secure employment, and lead decent lives. As a result, most people will take the opportunity to enjoy themselves in the bars within the city’s urban and suburban regions. People would dance, drink their best brands, and enjoy sex with prostitutes. The portrayal of the champagne indicates the improvement of these members’ social and economic welfare. Furthermore, the modern structure suggests possible progress in the structural development in Paris.
Consumer Culture and the Male Perspective in Manet’s Artistic Vision
The Parisian culture of consumerization also influenced Manet’s objectives of using various elements in the painting during the late 1800s—the correlations between the barmaid and the merchandise address the accustomed culture of the male perspective. The renowned artist accomplishes the idea by promoting the proximity of the products and the customer. The trend’s impact is to create a resemblance between the seller and the buyer.
By making the women the sellers, Manet perfectly proves to the globe the power of men to remain in the discourse of consumerization while the women produce. He works to address the mass industrial production of products created for display during that period. The presentation of the products was designed to attract potential customers and promote them beyond Paris. Furthermore, his artistic work effectively reflects the region’s improvement in business and commercial operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère effectively demonstrates Manet’s skill in conveying multiple meanings in his artistic work. The renowned scholar has revealed the mysteries of Manet’s work by employing various artistic elements. He has perfectly blended numerous items to show the world the golden talent of painting and its possible effects. He has revealed that a single painting can be used to demonstrate several issues that affect society. Therefore, people should use his case to learn excellent artistic skills and positively change the negative items that have been addressed.
References
Boime, Albert. “Manet’s ‘Un Bar Aux Folies-Bergère’ as an Allegory of Nostalgia.” Zeitschrift Für Kunstgeschichte 56, no. 2 (1993): 234–48. Web.
Carrier, David. “Art History in the Mirror Stage: Interpreting Un Bar Aux Folies Bergères.” History and Theory 29, no. 3 (1990): 297–320. Web.
Duve, Thierry de, and Brian Holmes. “How Manet’s ‘A Bar at the Folies-Bergère’ Is Constructed.” Critical Inquiry 25, no. 1 (1998): 136–68. Web.
Duve, Thierry de. “Intuition, Logic, Intuition.” Critical Inquiry 25, no. 1 (1998): 181–89. Web.
Howard, Seymour. “Early Manet and Artful Error: Foundations of Anti-Illusion in Modern Painting.” Art Journal 37, no. 1 (1977): 14–21. Web.