Edouard Manets Bar at the Folies Bergere was completed in 1882. This was to be the last major work Manet would complete before his death. The painting was intended for the Salon, and because of his recently awarded Legion of Honor, Manet could be sure this piece would be accepted. This painting would be considered from the impressionistic style. That Manets Bar is a masterpiece can hardly be argued, but the intent of the piece however is the source of much debate. The following evidence will show that this is a null point; it will show that the artist in fact did not intend to provoke any emotion or thought besides aesthetic emotion. Manet has taken something he found to be worthy of portraying, and slightly romanticized it into merely a involved painting which is pleasing to the eye (Roskill 231). After this was exhibited at the Salon, and Manet was disappointed with the public, who saw the subject rather than his masterly rendition (Rewald 366). To be disappointed that people were seeing the subject of his painting and projecting meaning upon it, not only focusing how well the painting was fashioned, seems to show in itself that the painting did not have the meaning some try to ascribe to it. Manets Bar at the Folies Bergere is just a pretty picture that is not dealing with issues of sexuality, but tries to appeal to the public by imitating the style of advertisements and posters, and was an attempt to make a piece of art merely to be sold.The barmaid, generally considered the focal point of the piece, is often thought to be a prostitute. Some believe Manet could have been using her slightly detached gaze to show a specific feeling towards these actions or any of countless theories on the subject. Suzon, the barmaid, was in fact not a prostitute in any way. This woman actually did serve drinks at the Folies Bergere, and this serving of drinks was her livelihood. Manet asked her to sit in his studio to model for the pain...
