Manet"s portraits are rarely afforded such close attention as they are given in this exquisitely crafted and insightful film presented by art expert Tim Marlow. Manet"s portraiture comprised about half his work, giving life on canvas to family, friends and the literary, political and artistic figures of the day. A detailed, excellently constructed biography of Manet and a delightful picture of 19th century Parisian society are interwoven with the art itself. "Paintings shown in breath-taking detail"