Although often grouped in with the Impressionists, Édouard Manet is a pivotal and influential transition figure between French Realism and Impressionism. His work, focusing on capturing the immediacy of the modern world, was seen as a challenge to the constraints of the French Academy of Fine Arts and became an inspiration for a young generation of rebellious artists who would become known as the Impressionists. However, as Impressionism continues to develop, its style and methods begin to make an impact on the work of Manet. Although Manet never participated in the Impressionist Exhibitions, in his work and those of the Impressionists—Claude Monet in particular—you can see the reciprocity of their influences on each other. This lecture traces those developments that helped to form the Impressionist style and how they, in turn, influenced encouraged experimentation in Manet's works.

Katherine E. Zoraster is an Art Historian and a Professor of Art History at several local colleges specializing in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. She graduated with a double major in English Literature and Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Following her undergraduate degree, she received a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Art History from the California State University at Northridge.

In addition to the courses Katherine teaches for other lifelong learning programs, she also works as an Art History Instructor for the full-time program at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts. Katherine also serves as a commissioner for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter. In her free time, Katherine is an avid runner and travels extensively.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50+ years of age, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses (without the pressure of grades) for the sake of learning and social engagement.

This lecture can be attended online via Zoom or in-person at our Thousand Oaks campus.