During today’s class, we wrapped up our discussion on the realist era. We then shifted our focus to impressionism. The impressionist era rebelled against classical subject matter and embraced modernity. Artists desired to create works that reflected the present world that they lived in. Light was used to help create art that reflected this modernity. We discussed Manet’s “Luncheon on the Grass,” and how there was controversy surrounding the scene that Manet portrayed. The scene depicts a nude woman picnicking with two fully clothed men in a rural setting, which was very unconventional at the time. This painting challenged traditional norms of beauty and “proper” subject matters. It was fascinating to learn about the stir Manet’s painting caused in society, as today I feel it would not be seen as controversial at all.