Welcome to Artwork of the Week! Inspired by our lovely English Prefects, here is your weekly dose of Art History! I thought, to start this all off, I would talk to you about one of my favourite paintings: A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882) by Edouard Manet.

One of the most celebrated works of the Impressionist period and of Manet’s career, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère depicts a young woman serving at a bar with her gaze famously staring right at us. First, a bit of background before we get into it: this work was Manet’s last major painting and startled visitors when exhibited at the Salon (the official annual exhibition of the French Academy of Fine Arts) due to the subject not being named.

The setting is the bustling Folies-Bergère in Paris, extremely popular for its entertainment and overall fun atmosphere for the people of the late 19^th century. They would have acrobatics, drinks, dancing, and a great place to have a good time with friends. In the top left hand corner, you can see the green shoes of a trapeze artist, ready to perform for the busy crowd beneath her. Manet frequented here with friends and made sketches, but this painting was created in his studio.

Now onto the analysis:

There appears to be a mirror placed behind her, but the perspective feels a little off. Towards the right of the reflection, we see her serving a man in a top hat, her body twisted to face him, but from our view we see her full frontal instead. The man doesn’t feel present in the scene and we are drawn to her as the main focus. The reflection of the bottles to the left show them misplaced as well. This distorted perspective possibly reflects the overstimulating and disorienting atmosphere of the place and frames the barmaid, again, to draw our attention back to her.

It is argued amongst art historians that the man on the right is propositioning her due to her uncomfortable and unsettled expression on her face. This may be true, but we don’t know for sure. I believe this painting is a commentary on women in the hospitality industry. You see here she is dressed with her chest exposed, a small corseted waist, and pretty flowers drawing people’s eyes back to her chest. This is shows the objectification of women in the hospitality industry, forcing them to look pretty for the world all for the purpose of attracting customers. This subjection to this role leaves women in a somewhat helpless position and her gaze communicates that. She is fully aware of our presence though her still, unsettling stare, making us feel idle as we watch her fulfil her duties.

Now, my favourite part of this painting is how Manet has painted the bottles on the bar. He uses light blues, pinks, purples and greens to elevate reflections and give the smooth finish of glass. You would have to look very closely to see these! I love the bottle labels and how Manet’s signature is on one of them. Can you find it? Also, the oranges look delicious.

The painting is at the Courtauld here in London and I highly recommend you go see it in person, it is quite the experience.

Thank you so much for reading and hope you have a lovely weekend. Stay tuned!

Paloma Fleury, Sixth Form Art History Rep