Two Apples

1870s

Refuses to exhibit with the Impressionists

Although his own work influenced and anticipated the Impressionist style, Manet resisted involvement in Impressionist exhibitions: he did not wish to be seen as the representative of a group identity and held that modern artists should seek to exhibit at the Salon.

1879 · Residence

8th arrondissement of Paris

1879

The Salon warmly receives “In the Conservatory” and “In the Boat”

Only in 1879 did the Salon appreciate Manet's perseverance: his canvases “In the Conservatory” and “In the Boat” were received very warmly.

September 1879

The first attack of rheumatism and ataxia

In September 1879 Manet suffered his first acute attack of rheumatism; it soon turned out that he had ataxia, a disorder of movement coordination. The illness progressed rapidly and limited his creative possibilities.

December 1881

The Légion d'honneur

In December 1881, at the recommendation of Antonin Proust, his childhood friend and the new minister, Manet was awarded the Légion d'honneur.

1882

“A Bar at the Folies-Bergère”: his last major work

Overcoming his illness, Manet completed “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère” in 1882, his last major oil painting, which was enthusiastically received at that year's Salon. Afterwards he limited himself to small formats.