The Allure and Mystery of the Folies Bergere
A Deep Dive into Its Meaning and Manet’s Masterpiece
The Folies-Bergère is one of the most iconic cabaret music halls in Paris, synonymous with entertainment, glamour, and a touch of decadence. But what does La Folie Bergère mean? Why does this legendary venue carry such a name? Moreover, what makes Edouard Manet’s painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergère so controversial? What is the significance of the oranges in the artwork, and who is the enigmatic woman depicted at the bar?
This story delves into the history of the Folies-Bergère, the artistic genius of Manet, and the layered meanings embedded within his celebrated painting.
What Is the Meaning of La Folie Bergère?
The term Folie in French translates to “madness” or “folly,” often associated with extravagant pleasure and entertainment. Bergère, on the other hand, means “shepherdess.” Together, Folies-Bergère can be interpreted as “Shepherdess’s Madness” or “Pastoral Folly,” a whimsical name reflecting both an escape into fantasy and a nod to the pastoral themes often found in 18th-century French art and theater.
The name also suggests a juxtaposition of rustic simplicity with indulgent revelry. In an era where Paris was transforming into a hub of modernity and excess, the Folies-Bergère was a beacon of entertainment, where audiences could immerse themselves in spectacles of dance, music, and provocative performances.
Why Is It Called Folies-Bergère?
The origins of the name trace back to its foundation in 1869. Originally designed as an opera house, it was named the “Folies Trévise” after the nearby Rue de Trévise. However, the name changed to “Folies-Bergère” to give it a more evocative and alluring identity, drawing upon both the fashionable folies of Parisian nightlife and the charming, pastoral connotations of bergère.
The Folies-Bergère quickly became a landmark of Parisian culture, hosting famous performers like Josephine Baker and embodying the spirit of the Belle Époque. It was a place where high society mingled with the bohemian underworld, an atmosphere vividly captured in the works of artists and writers.
Why Was A Bar at the Folies-Bergère Controversial?
Edouard Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882) is one of the most enigmatic and debated paintings in art history. The work portrays a barmaid standing behind a lavishly stocked counter, her expression distant and melancholic. Behind her, a mirror reflects the bustling crowd of the Folies-Bergère, but the reflection itself is perplexing and seemingly distorted.
The controversy surrounding the painting arises from several factors:
- The Ambiguous Reflection – The reflection in the mirror does not seem to align correctly with the position of the barmaid and the man she is serving. Many art historians have debated whether Manet intentionally manipulated perspective to challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.
- The Role of the Barmaid – The woman in the painting appears detached, possibly even dejected, despite being in a lively setting. This has led to interpretations that the painting comments on the commodification of women in 19th-century Parisian nightlife, where barmaids often doubled as courtesans.
- Modernism and Realism – Manet was known for defying traditional artistic conventions. Rather than idealizing his subject, he depicted her with an unfiltered realism, which some critics found unsettling. The way he captured the contradictions of modern urban life, isolation in the midst of social vibrancy, challenged the more romanticized depictions of Parisian leisure at the time.
- Moral Undertones – The presence of a male customer engaging with the barmaid in the mirror raises questions about gender dynamics and the objectification of women. The Folies-Bergère was known not just as a venue for entertainment but also as a space where transactional relationships, including prostitution, were commonplace.
What Do the Oranges Mean in A Bar at the Folies-Bergère?
The oranges in Manet’s painting have long been a subject of speculation. They are prominently displayed on the counter, their bright color drawing attention. In art history, oranges often symbolize luxury, wealth, and sometimes temptation.
In the context of the Folies-Bergère, the oranges may carry deeper meanings:
- Markers of Wealth and Exoticism – Oranges were expensive in 19th-century France and were often associated with affluence. Their presence in the bar could signify the venue’s high-end clientele.
- Sexual Connotations – Some scholars suggest that the oranges subtly allude to the transactional nature of relationships in the nightlife scene. Just as fruit is bought and consumed, so too were women often objectified and commodified.
- A Symbol of Contradiction – Oranges, while vibrant and fresh, are also ephemeral, mirroring the transient nature of pleasure and youth in the world of the Folies-Bergère.
Who Is the Woman in A Bar at the Folies-Bergère?
The barmaid in Manet’s painting has been identified as Suzon, a real barmaid who worked at the Folies-Bergère. However, Manet’s portrayal transcends mere portraiture, making her a symbol of modern urban alienation.
Suzon appears detached, lost in thought, despite the lively atmosphere around her. Her downcast expression and slightly slouched posture suggest a weariness that contrasts sharply with the glamorous setting. She embodies the paradox of the Folies-Bergère, a place of joy and indulgence that also harbored loneliness and exploitation.
Some art historians argue that she represents the broader struggles of working-class women in Paris, caught between serving the elite and navigating the moral ambiguities of their environment. Others see her as an emblem of Manet’s commentary on the superficiality of modern social interactions, where appearances mask deeper realities.
Where Is the Painting Now?
Today, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère is housed in the Courtauld Gallery in London, one of the most prestigious art institutions in the world. The painting became part of the Courtauld’s collection in 1926, thanks to the vision of Samuel Courtauld, a wealthy textile magnate and passionate art collector. Courtauld played a significant role in bringing Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces to Britain, and Manet’s final great work was one of his most prized acquisitions.
Visitors to the Courtauld Gallery can view this masterpiece up close and experience the haunting beauty of Manet’s final artistic statement. The painting remains a cornerstone of the gallery’s collection, drawing thousands of admirers each year.
The Folies-Bergère was a music hall, it was a cultural microcosm of Parisian life, capturing the allure, contradictions, and complexities of its time. Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère remains a masterpiece that continues to intrigue and provoke discussion, reflecting themes of modernity, gender, and perception.
From its whimsical yet evocative name to the layered symbolism in Manet’s painting, the Folies-Bergère endures as an iconic representation of 19th-century Paris. Whether through history, art, or social commentary, its legacy continues to captivate audiences and art lovers worldwide.
