CreatripTeam

French painter Édouard Manet, known as a 'spiritual figure' for the Impressionists, drew 'The Fifer' in 1866. Unlike typical 19th-century portraits, it features a single figure against an empty background, emphasizing the boy and creating a sense of floating. Inspired by Spanish painter Diego Velázquez's similar approach, Manet valued the representation of ordinary people without grand backgrounds, diverging from the neoclassical norm. Although initially rejected by art academies, writer Emile Zola supported Manet's modern, realistic style. Manet's bold choice eventually gained acclaim, and 'The Fifer' is now a celebrated piece in the Musée d'Orsay.