Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)
A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, 1882
Join us at the Folies-Bergère! This popular Parisian cabaret, familiar territory for artist Édouard Manet, was a place to see and be seen (note the woman in the background, peering through opera glasses). A large mirror reflects the patron-filled interior and in turn reflects Manet’s impression of modern life in the French capital—this entertainment venue catered to the worldly bourgeoisie and was notorious for solicitation. The fashionably dressed, emotionally detached barmaid’s reflection is askew and its meaning ambiguous. Is she being propositioned or simply being asked for a glass of champagne? What story is the painter telling? Find your own interpretation of A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, Manet’s final masterpiece, as you puzzle over this 1000-piece jigsaw.