Manet was not officially part of the Impressionist movement, but he had a huge influence on the group. By the 1860s, he had established an impressive reputation for himself in the art world, then, to the horror of his admirers, he exhibited this painting in 1863. Today it is considered one of his greatest works, but at the time, it was condemned by the critics as 'unhealthy'.

It is clear why this painting was so important to the Impressionists. It shows a modern scene, full of recognisable celebrities, including Manet himself. Instead of each figure being painted in perfect detail, the crowd fades into a blur in places so that it takes the eye a little while to resolve what is what.

See other works by Manet in the collection

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