Impressionism and Naturalism by Robert Herbert Essay

Impressionism and Naturalism by Robert Herbert - Essay ExampleManet, according to Herbert was a variant sort of flaneur. He was obtuse in reproducing the flaneurs experience of destruction, transformation, and desolation because he was an active observer. His work The Street Singer (1862) and The Balloon (1862) were examples of the artists silent commentary in the upheaval of the city and its people (Herbert 36). He exemplified realism through artifice and caricature. Flaneurs were keen in capturing the moment of intent in its pure form which was wherefore later works offered glimpses of contemporary urban life not through detailed oil paints but caricatures speedily drawn and executed as in Manets Rue Mosnier Decorated with Flags and Degass Martelli. Flaneurs, therefore, were inventors and responsible for innovation in art during the 19th century. Flaneurs were also investigators of history for they were keen observers of urban life, noting spectators, daily occupations, behavior s, professions, and intimate and domestic life of that time. Degass Women on a Cafe Terrace, Evening and Manets Railroad which the artists investigated to the extent of scientific naturalism could be said to denote this aspect of flaneurs. Flaneurs were also observers of domestic manners. Their breakup from the public and private arena offered them the advantage of narrating emotions and feelings without romantic interference. This could be observed in Cassatts Cup of Tea (1880) and Morisots Interior both depicted the artists detachment soon enough interactivity with domestic life.