Baudelaire to Manet

Translated paragraph from Baudelaire’s letter of May 11, 1865

Portrait of Charles Baudelaire, published in Charles Asselineau's book, "Charles Baudelaire, sa Vie et son Oeuvre” (Paris, 1869).

I saw today some works of Manet at the National Art Gallery in Washington D.C, I instantly thought of Baudelaire who had a lot of consideration for Manet, his work, and his subtle ways to make a painting speak to us. Baudelaire saw in Manet not just a painter who fought against modernity, but an artist, a mystic. Here, I share a short translated paragraph from Baudelaire’s letter of May 11, 1865 to Manet :

“ It is really stupid what you are demanding. We laugh at you; the pleasantries¹ annoy you; we do not know how to do you justice, etc., etc… Do you believe that you are the first man to be in such a position? Do you have more genius than Chateaubriand and Wagner? They were really laughed at though. They did not die of it. And, in order not to inspire you too much pride, I will tell you that these men are models, each in their unique way, and in a very rich world; and that you, you are only the first, in the decrepitude² of your art. I hope you do not blame me for treating you without fuss. You know my friendship for you.”

Still life with melon and peaches (1866), Édouard Manet.

1. jokes

2. weakened, worn-out