Edouard Manet (1832-1883) lived and painted in Paris. He did many portraits in Realism and later, with the encouragement and friendship of French Impressionist Berthe Morisot, began to do Impressionistic works like this one.

Here we see a scene implied with inexact strokes and shapes of color. We understand the scene without details of faces or leaves. The perspective, the artist’s view, of this piece is truly remarkable. If this was a photograph, where would the photographer be? It seems directly in front of the horses and soon to be trampled! A side view would be more typical with the artist sharing a view with the other spectators. Also, this piece is painted quite flat. We do not see a vanishing point on the track behind the horses. It seems they roared directly out of a clump of trees. This lack of depth also makes it difficult to determine the winner beyond the circle and post finish line marker.

Manet was interested in the subject of leisure. He gave us many scenes showing the way the people of 19th century Paris spent their free time with horse racing being one. This focus continues his legacy of unique perspective in art. As he worked through his own and the world’s transitions, he called us to new venues and placements. He died at age 51. I wonder what he might have painted from the culture of the 20th century.

In the days ahead may we imagine new and diverse vantage points and perspectives as we walk through this world. May these new views prompt new viewpoints toward God’s world and people. Artists can open our eyes. God can open our hearts. We pray to open our minds. May it be so.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church