“A Bar at the Folies-Bergère,” created by Edouard Manet in 1882 in Paris, France, is an exquisite example of Impressionism executed in oil on canvas. Measuring 96 by 130 centimeters, this genre painting captures a quintessential Parisian nightlife scene. The artwork is housed at the Courtauld Gallery within the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, United Kingdom.
The artwork depicts a barmaid standing behind a marble counter at the Folies-Bergère, a renowned Parisian nightclub. She gazes directly at the viewer, embodying a sense of detachment and melancholy, juxtaposed with the vibrant atmosphere reflected in the large mirror behind her. The background reveals the bustling interior of the Folies-Bergère, filled with patrons and overhead chandeliers, capturing the lively ambiance. On the counter before her, various bottles, a glass of flowers, and a bowl of oranges are arranged, contributing to the still-life elements within the composition. The subtle play of light and reflection, combined with Manet’s impressionistic brushstrokes, lends a sense of immediacy and realism to the bustling scene, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the essence of 19th-century Parisian life.
