Édouard Manet was older and never exhibited with the Impressionists, although his modern subjects and frank painting were enormously important to younger artists. Claude Monet became one of Impressionism's defining figures.
Their names famously caused confusion even in their own lifetimes. But their paintings make the difference clear: Manet often stages modern figures against assertive surfaces, while Monet increasingly organizes pictures around changing light and atmosphere.
Understanding the distinction also shows that art movements are networks rather than neat clubs. Influence crossed generations and exhibition groups.
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