Edouard Manet

Profession: Impressionist painter

Nationality:

Why Famous: Edouard Manet was an important French impressionist painter whose major works include "The Luncheon on the Grass", "Olympia" and "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère".

Manet was one of the major figures in the move away from realism in painting towards the more radical impressionistic style. His "Olympia" painting of a nude especially caused a sensation in 1865 when it was exhibited at the Paris Salon.

Born: January 23, 1832
Birthplace: Paris, France
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: April 30, 1883 (aged 51)
Cause of Death: Complications from syphilis