MANET Proposal Nineteenth Century Paris

MANET Proposal

Nineteenth Century Paris in Cafe and Dance: A Social and Psychological Examination of the Works of Manet and Degas in the 1870s through the 1890s

The primary goal of this proposed research will be to develop an understanding of Parisian society and social issues through an examination of the people and public spaces depicted in the paintings of Manet and Degas. Paintings of Manet such as Bar at the Folies-Bergere (1882), the Cafe Concert (1878), and Singer at a Cafe (1878-79) will be examined for how the spaces themselves are represented, as well as how the figures are arranged within the space and in relation to each other. The individual psychology of these characters will also be examined, and compared and contrasted with those in the paintings of Degas from the same period in Paris, such as the Dance Class (1873-76), the Dance Lesson (1879), and others.

From these examinations, a deeper understanding of the psychological and social issues occurring in Paris during the latter half of the nineteenth century can be obtained, and the true import of these paintings in regards to their psychological realism and social commentary can be defined and brought explicitly to the foreground. This will also entail a detailed historical examination of events in Paris occurring in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and specifically in the three decades from the 1870s to the 1890s. From this dual perspective examination of both the paintings themselves and the actual events that were unfolding in Paris, a comprehensive view of the painting's meanings can be developed.

Methodology

The methodology for this proposed research will be very straightforward and in keeping with standard modes of critical investigation in the visual arts. A simple (yet comprehensive and detailed) visual examination of the paintings will be made, noting the colors, shadings, positions, expressions, and other visual elements of the painting both from a formalist perspective and with an eye towards psychological detail. Research regarding the possible psychological meanings of specific facial expressions, gestures, and elements of body language as well as interpersonal distancing will also be examined in order to enable the development of reliable conclusions and interpretations regarding the people represented in the selected works of art. This will be accompanied and augmented by study regarding the events in Paris from an array of vetted scholarly sources (e.g. books authored by established and non-controversial historians of the era) in order to provide accurate and comprehensive background information, thus allowing for truly meaningful comparisons and conclusions as to the meaning and impact of these paintings to be developed.