Something new about Impressionism

This is the first time I have strayed from my calendar of topics, but I visited the National Art Gallery today and became inspired. I knew a little about French Impressionism, everyone does I think, but I wanted to be surprised. Therefore, I read on...

The artist who served as the bridge between realism and impressionism was Edouard Manet, who was controversial as a realist but not quite an impressionist. He incorporated Asian elements into his paintings. This is one of his most popular pieces: 

It is in Olympia that we see Japanese influences. Notice the flatness of the portrait as compared to above. Placed side-by-side, it is easy to see the influence of the Japanese wood-block art.

   

I didn't know about Manet, but I find his rebelliousness appealing. During this period, there was a nearly hundred year norm of the French Academy jury basically determining what was art and, as a result, what was not. Manet was rejected many times by the French Academy, but it was his leadership that open the doors for Monet, Renior, and Pissarro (below, respectively) to hold their own exhibitions. 

Well, all I have to say is Thanks, Manet.