Patrick Bade
Manet and Offenbach
Summary
During the 1860s transformation of Paris under Emperor Louis-Napoleon and Baron Haussmann, there was the creation of modern Paris, known as the New Babylon. The two groundbreaking artists Edouard Manet and Jacques Offenbach highlighted this era. Offenbach, a Parisian of German origin, pioneered the operetta, while Manet, from the upper bourgeoisie, marked the onset of a new era in Western art. Extending to Paris’s allure, particularly for Jewish individuals from Central and Eastern Europe, the lecture offers insights into the cultural and artistic dynamics of 19th-century Paris.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
Yes and no. It’s reflective of a certain aspect of Parisian life at the time. But the 19th century was actually very, very repressive sexually.
He was very entrepreneurial. My guess is he just took the risk and borrowed the money.
Yes, I’m afraid it was. But it was because of what’s happened since, obviously we are very, very sensitive about these things. But I think mostly there wasn’t a hostile intent.
Well, I showed two pictures. One was the original production of 1858, and the other one was a recent Parisian production. I think those are both meant to be flies.