Édouard Manet's Artistic Rebellion Against 19th Century French Censorship

French painter Édouard Manet challenged 19th century artistic conventions by depicting realistic nudity and contemporary subjects, breaking from academic traditions. He studied under Thomas Couture but rejected becoming a magistrate, joining the navy instead. His works like 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe' and 'Olympia' faced criticism for their direct portrayal of nude figures without mythological or literary references. The 1863 Salon des Refusés, established by Napoleon III, provided a venue for Manet and other artists including Sisley, Degas, and Courbet to exhibit works rejected by official salons. Despite his innovative approach, Manet continued seeking acceptance from mainstream art institutions throughout his career.