A Bar at the Folies-Bergère

Manet’s last masterpiece, “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère”, pulls you right into the heart of 1880s Paris nightlife. The Folies-Bergère was the place to be, a glittering jewel of entertainment. The painting captures this bustling atmosphere with details like the woman on a trapeze, bottles of champagne, and a bustling crowd reflected in the mirror behind the bar.

In the middle of it all is Suzon, the barmaid, staring out with a detached gaze that makes you wonder what’s on her mind. She’s not just serving drinks, and like many women in such places, she doubled as a prostitute, adding layers of complexity to the painting.

The composition is unconventional, dominated by a large mirror that reflects the busy interior of the Folies-Bergère. However, the mirror challenges normal perspective rules, and its reflection does not correspond accurately with the barmaid’s position, creating a disorienting effect that has kept art critics and historians debating for years.

Manet approached this piece by starting with sketches at the bar, then brought it all to life in his studio, recreating the scene and having Suzon pose. This method let him capture the bar’s authenticity while working in his controlled space.

This painting is much more than a glimpse into 19th-century Paris nightlife and remains one of the most famous and recognizable pieces from that era.