A Bar at the Folies-Bergère
Édouard Manet · 1882
Why it's great
A barmaid stands in front of a mirror at a busy Paris nightclub, looking sad and distant while the crowd sparkles behind her. Manet painted it near the end of his life, and the mirror reflection doesn't quite match what we'd expect, which still puzzles people. It captures the buzz of modern city life and the loneliness inside it. It's one of the great mysteries of art.
Where to see it
📍 Courtauld GalleryLondon, United Kingdom
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
About the artist
Édouard Manet1832–1883 · born in former 10th arrondissement of Paris · died in 8th arrondissement of Paris
Édouard Manet was born into a wealthy Parisian family and lived in Paris all his life. He painted modern city life — cafés, bars, and picnics — in a bold, flat style that scandalized critics. He never officially joined the Impressionists, but he inspired them, and they admired him as a leader. He died in 1883 at age 51.
