Study for 'Le D¨¦jeuner sur l'herbe' (Luncheon on the Grass)

This work was made in preparation for one of the most famous paintings of the 19th century. In 1863, ¨¦douard Manet scandalised the art world with his large, finished version of this composition (now in the Orsay Museum, Paris). It was shocking for its life-size depiction of two nearly naked women alongside fully dressed men in contemporary clothes. Although Manet initially drew inspiration from Renaissance nudes, he rejected the veil of mythology and painted unidealised female figures, one of whom confronts the viewer with her direct gaze. Title Study for ¡®Le D¨¦jeuner sur l¡¯herbe¡¯ (Luncheon on the Grass) Creator ¨¦douard Manet Creator Lifespan 1832¨C1883 Date Created circa 1863-68 Location 1863 Location Created France Physical Dimensions 89.5 x 116.5 cm Type Painting Rights Photo ? The Courtauld Medium Oil paint on canvas Art Movement Impressionism Acquisition Credit Samuel Courtauld gift, 1932