Q
QuestionArt

Why was Manet's "Luncheon on the Grass" so criticized when it was first made public?
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Step 1
: Historical Context

Manet's "Luncheon on the Grass" (Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe) was first exhibited at the Salon des Refusés in 1863, and it was highly controversial for several key reasons:

Step 2
: Unconventional Nude Representation

The painting shocked viewers because it depicted a nude woman casually sitting with fully clothed men in a contemporary setting. Unlike traditional classical nude paintings that typically portrayed mythological or allegorical scenes, Manet presented a modern, realistic scene that challenged social norms of the time.

Final Answer

Its frank depiction of nudity, contemporary setting, and unconventional artistic technique made it a revolutionary work that fundamentally challenged the artistic establishment of its time.