By DARLA MCCAMMON

Lakeland Arts Association

WARSAW — Edouard Manet was born in early 1832 with a wealthy family and political connections who expected him to continue the family tradition in his choice of career. Manet rejected all this in favor of becoming a painter and is today considered by many to be the artist who was the catalyst transforming art from a long history of realism to a new world called impressionism. His art education was encouraged by an uncle who introduced him to the Louvre. He worked under well-known instructors and spent much time at the Louvre copying work of the masters. As his abilities developed, he began creating his own distinctive style. Some of his work was very controversial.

Manet also became enamored of much of the Asian Art that began appearing in France. One result of that love of Japanese art was his creation of a pet portrait featuring a dog named Tama, a breed known and favored by many — a Japanese Chin. An art collector who had such an extensive collection he founded the Musée Cernuschi in Paris, introduced Manet to the dog. Cernuschi convinced both Manet as well as Auguste Renoir to create portraits of his favorite pet, Tama. The painting by Manet can now be seen at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Manet had many friends due to his penchant for modern art but he eschewed becoming completely united with them in their desire to withdraw entirely from the Salon and other reputable Paris art exhibitions. He did turn to plein air painting and did not desert his different techniques but he also continued to respect the older and more established groups. This set him somewhat apart from both. When he was about forty-five years old, his health started to decline due to side-effects of syphilis. He continued painting but on a small scale for the most part. His last major effort titled A Bar at the Follies Bergére showed that his loyalty had paid off. It was exhibited in the famous Salon. The disease gained the upper hand in April 1883 when his left foot was amputated due to gangrene. He died in Paris. He left behind over 900 works of art.

The Japanese Chin, Chen to some, is a small dog whose heritage is entwined with the famous Silk Road in the days of ancient mysticism, trade and travelers. Buddhist Monks bred them in monasteries and gave the precious dogs as gifts to important travelers. They made their way to royal palaces where they were guarded and protected—not for the average peasant. This dog, also called Japanese Spaniel, often became a higher value commodity than gold. This pet stands less than a foot tall and weighs three to 15 pounds. The Chin has one coat of hair where most dogs have two. Some believe the dot or line on the forehead represents Buddha’s touch. Considered to be more cat-like than most dogs, it is alert, intelligent, prefers a high loft for resting, cleanses it’s face with paws, and hides in secure places. Typically loyal and friendly, the Chin adapts well in new situations.

Next week: another pet portrait.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery New March 15. Grace College Students work on display. Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Jacob Shriner exhibit at LAA gallery 302 W. Winona Avenue. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information on topics in this column, please contact Darla McCammon at [email protected] or (574) 527-4044.