When you are hoping to discover one of the most visually stunning works by one of the masters, Manet, you will want to consider what The Railroad could actually provide.
The techniques which went into The Railroad were some of the most innovative for their times and this places The Railroad itself into a category that helps to identify this painting into a transition period for modern art.
When you are looking for some of the most representative artists of outstanding works of art history, you will want to consider what Edouard Manet can provide.
The Railroad itself is a particular work that deserves closer attention as well, for understanding this particular piece can unlock a rich history of art to you.
A study of Manet will indicate that this artist was one of the first to help usher in Impressionism.
His paintings were the ones which inspired great controversy and ultimately helped young painters to clearly define what Impressionism actually meant.
Manet was first born to a wealthy family and was encouraged to paint from an early age, often taking trips to the Louvre for inspiration.
Manet absorbed a great deal of instruction and inspiration from various outside artists, having studied closely with Thomas Couture, De Goya, Velazquez, and Franz Hals.
His painting career took off and he produced a number of highly regarded paintings during his 51 years.
The Railroad is considered one of the most stunning works that Manet ever produced, partly because of the urban setting which was chosen for it.
Instead of using a natural background, which is something that most artists would gravitate toward, he set the painting within the urban sprawl of the Paris railway station.
Iron grating provides the immediate background and one doesn't even see evidence of the train itself besides the white cloud of smoke which is being issued from the engine.
It's a stunning jump from the traditional bright colors which are used in a painting and while you will still find a wide expanse of color in The Railroad, it will not be found in the traditionally viewed methods within classic paintings.
Manet chose familiar subjects for this work.
The young girl is the daughter of a neighbor and the woman is one of his favorite models, Victorine Meurent.
This woman had been featured in two of Manet's previous paintings, Olympia and Luncheon on the Grass.
This shows that Manet was very selective about the sources which he turned to for his paintings and that he would not rest until he found the perfect models.
The Railroad can stand out as a particularly strong example of Manet's work and when you want to learn more about this particular master of art, this painting is an outstanding place to start.