Edouard Manet.

Many art historians consider Edouard Manet to be the father of modern art. Although often cites alongside the Impressionists, he was not a member of their group and next exhibited in their Salon des Refusees.

Instead he pioneered a path between realism and impressionism, choosing contemporary subjects and composing them in a truly modern fashion.

Many of Manet's works are almost photographic in their composition and use of light. As a result these works had a distinctly modern look for their era, unnerving critics and alarming contemporary audiences while inspiring the admiration of young upcoming artists.