Answer:
The viewers of Édouard Manet's painting "Déjeuner sur l'herbe" initially responded by attacking the canvas with their umbrellas due to the painting's controversial subject matter and departure from traditional artistic conventions.
The painting, completed in 1863, depicts a n*de woman in a picnic setting with two fully dressed men. This subject matter challenged the societal norms and expectations of the time, which considered ndity in art acceptable only in certain historical or mythological contexts.
The viewers, who were accustomed to more traditional and idealized representations in art, found Manet's depiction shocking and offensive. The realistic portrayal of a nde woman in a contemporary setting went against the established artistic conventions of the period. The viewers felt a sense of moral outrage and considered the painting to be indecent and scandalous.
Their reaction, attacking the canvas with their umbrellas, was a physical manifestation of their disapproval and an attempt to censor the artwork. It was a direct response to what they perceived as a violation of moral standards and a challenge to the established artistic norms.
Over time, Manet's painting and the controversy surrounding it became an important moment in the development of modern art, as it challenged the traditional notions of subject matter and paved the way for new artistic movements. However, the initial hostile reaction reflects the conservative attitudes prevalent at the time and the resistance to change in the art world.
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