Manet Edouard (Paris 1832-1883) – Rue Monnier with flags (65x80 cm) 1878 J. Paul Getty Museum

The canvas presents a Parisian street scene, imbued with a celebratory atmosphere yet retaining a sense of quiet observation. Here we see a perspective view down a narrow thoroughfare, likely in a residential district given the scale and character of the buildings lining both sides. The dominant visual element is the profusion of French flags strung across the street, suggesting a national holiday or significant civic event. These flags are rendered with loose brushstrokes, their colors – red, white, and blue – vibrating against the muted tones of the surrounding architecture.
The artist employed an atmospheric perspective; buildings recede into a hazy distance, diminishing in clarity and color intensity as they move further away. This technique contributes to a feeling of depth and creates a sense of urban vastness despite the confined space of the street itself. The light source appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows and contributing to the overall subdued palette.
Several figures populate the scene, though their presence is understated. A man in blue, leaning on a cane, occupies the foreground left; his posture suggests weariness or contemplation rather than active participation in the festivities. Further down the street, a horse-drawn carriage moves along the cobbled road, its driver barely discernible amidst the flags and buildings. These figures are not central to the composition but serve as indicators of everyday life unfolding within this celebratory context.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of urban modernity and national identity. The depiction of a commonplace street, adorned with symbols of patriotism, speaks to the evolving relationship between citizens and their nation in an increasingly industrialized society. The subdued color palette and the solitary figure in the foreground introduce a note of melancholy or detachment, hinting at a more complex emotional landscape beneath the surface of public celebration. It is not merely a depiction of festivity but also a quiet meditation on urban existence and individual experience within a collective event. The loose brushwork and emphasis on atmospheric effects further contribute to a sense of fleeting moment captured – an impressionistic rendering of a specific time and place.