Royal Academy’s major exhibition of Manet’s portraits – Private View

Last night I was lucky enough to attend a private viewing of the Royal Academy’s fabulous exhibition of Edouard Manet’s portraits.

Amongst more than 50 paintings collected from around the world, were many that were instantly recognisable and wonderful to see, having seen reproductions in books over the years.

Some paintings, never exhibited during Manet’s life, are unfinished.  Even though most artists would hate the thought of unfinished works being exhibited, I thought they were beautiful and had a lovely free spirit, that can sometimes be lost when a painting is overworked.

I will have to re-visit this exhibition as one painting was missing – it’s arrival was delayed due to the snow and cancelled flights!

Portraying Life is on at the Royal Academy, London, from 26 January to 14 April 2013