Pamela Giron

Bianca Calabresi
ENGW 1102 3A - George Moore Essay
December 15, 2013
During a time of bohemian explosion Eduoard Manet painted George Moore at the caf.
This portrait of George Moore captured Manets first impression of his dear friend. Even if the
portrait is unfinished, Manet reveals more than just an accurate physical description of Moore.
When looking closely at this unfinished portrait, one can begin to connect the dots between
bohemian culture and the role Manet and Moore played within that culture.
Bohemia meant any place where one could live and work cheaply, and behave
unconventionally; a community of free souls beyond the pale of respectable society. Several
cities and neighborhoods came to be associated with bohemianism in the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries: In Europe: Montmartre and Montparnasse in Paris. Manet and Moore found
this unconventional community within the Caf Nouvelle Athens, which was located near
Montmartre. As mentioned above Montmarte was known for their dominating bohemian culture.
The Caf Nouvelle Athens was a focal point in Manet and Moores relationship, mainly because
it was where they first met. This cafe held so much importance in their relationship that Manets
first intention was to paint [George Moore] in a caf; he had met [him] in a caf, and he thought
he could realize his impression of [George Moore] in the first surrounding he had seen [him] in.
Manet strived to realize his impression of George Moore through this portrait, which means
that every brushstroke was deliberate in order to depict a specific perception. Every detail

including location, facial expression, attire, hand gestures and the empty glass were all
intentional.
Manet uses details emphasize certain aspects of Moore which he felt were central in
order to create an accurate portrayal of his beloved friend. Manet felt that the caf in particular
was essential to his perceived impression of George Moore, this gives the setting a lot of
influential power over how Moore is to be perceived by the viewer. What could the caf
environment say about George Moore? The Caf Nouvelle Athens was near one of the biggest
bohemian populations of the time, the people and culture within the caf must have been
influenced by bohemia to say the least. Placing George Moore in the center of a Bohemian caf
could symbolize Moores acceptance of bohemian culture. The caf setting also implies that
bohemian culture is fundamental in describing who Moore is and what he represents.
Furthermore, when taking a closer look at the unfinished portrait interesting and unusual
details emerge. Such as the empty beer glass beside him and a dazed expression which could
indicate that he is drunk or buzzed. The positioning of his fingers and opened mouth could
indicate that Moore was a smoker. All of these seemingly insignificant details along with his
disheveled look give an impression of a free soul finding comfort in an unconventional
community.
George Moore was an influential and well known author of his time; It is fascinating that
Manet, a close friend would choose these visuals as a realized impression of George Moore. Its
highly improbable that Manet would depict Moore as a drunk or druggie, so we must assume that
the details imply something bigger. They represent a lifestyle and ideology, specifically,
bohemian life and ideas. It was well known that Bohemians tended to indulge in alcohol as well

as drug experimentation. In Fact, drugs were used by many to supposedly help with inspiration.
Manet might have included these details to provide viewers with an image of Moore in his
artistic process. It could also be an open inauguration of Moore into the world of bohemian
artists.
Some critics might disagree claiming Bohemia is characterized by lack of money (or at
least employment), long hair, loud ranting against the bourgeoisie, unruly sexual behavior, and
copious consumption of wine, absinthe, opium, hashish and other substances dabus. Critics
might feel that to infer that Manet portrayed Moore as a bohemian is an insult equivalent to
calling Moore a degenerate of society. Still it is important to remember that Manet himself
rebelled against the bourgeoisie and instead adopted a life that challenged the status quo by
rejecting mainstream values and mocking the bourgeoisie This was very typical of bohemians,
by depicting Moore in this way , Manet could be exposing Moores political views. Thus,
revealing a true realized impression.
Manet painted George Moore as a member of bohemian culture, a culture to which Manet
also belonged to. Manet and George shared many similarities and perhaps it explains why their
relationship flourished. Manet paid tribute to his close friend through the stroke of his brush and
Moore did the same for Manet through written word. Manet spoke to me in the caf Nouvelle
Athene. I knew it was Manet, he had been pointed out to me, and I had admired the finely-cut
face from whose prominent chin a closely-cut blonde beard came forward; and the aquiline nose,
the clear grey eyes, the decisive voice, the remarkable comeliness of the well-knit figure,
scrupulously but simply dressed, represented a personality curiously sympathetic. Manet sought
to realize his impression of Moore through this portrait and Gorge Moore painted an equally
beautiful picture.

Works Cited
The works cited are in the order in which they were used
. N.p.. Web. 15 Dec 2013. <http://subcultureslist.com/bohemianism/>.
Moore, George. The Modern Painting
<http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8162/pg8162.html>.
Hopf, Courtney, Kogan Leslie, and Rachel Brown. N.p.. Web. 15 Dec 2013.
<https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255-s01/boheme/lifestyle.html>.
Reuter, J.. N.p.. Web. 15 Dec 2013. <http://jreuter.hubpages.com/hub/Opium-Use-in19th-Century-Europe>.