painting said, Everything was re-modeled: the tones were brighter, the colors more vivid, the values closer together. The result was a gentle, light harmony(Mathey 105). Through these slight changes to the rendering Manet was able to more easily involve the public in his work.The painting is an attempt to be sold, nothing more. Manet, along with most other artists, was forced to gain the public interest to ensure the sale of his artwork could support him. He was dependent on the public, and this painting was catering to their wants instead of using artistic intent. This painting was meant to reach the masses. A counter filled with products including champagne bottles and other brightly colored drinks, mandarin oranges, and roses creates what Hajo Dutchting calls, a still life that is one of Manets most masterly achievements (112). This wonderful craftsmanship throughout this painting has made it a favorite of the masses for generations, precisely what the artist desired. Manet himself makes a specific reference pointing towards the fact that the painting was produced as a commodity, something made exclusively to be sold for a profit, in the painting itself. This reference is made in the piece by signing and dating the painting on the lower corner of a bottle of reddish liqueur. This associates the painting with the liqueur, something that is produced specifically for sale. In doing this Manet expresses the fact that the painting is associated with the liquors mass produced for sale. He is producing to fulfill the demand of society, in an attempt to make a profit. According to Ruth Iskin Manet was in great need of money during the years of 1879-80 as well, because of the cost of treatments at a Bellevue clinic. Because of this need of money, Mery Laurent assisted Monet in the sale of one of his paintings. Once the deal was finished the client sent Monet a crate of mandarin oranges, a gift he thoroughly enjoyed (37). The...
