A CROQUET PLAYER’S GLIMPSE

INTO MANET’S ART

by

RICK FENDER

COUNTRY CLUB OF ORLANDO

While watching an art slideshow on my TV recently, a painting caught my eye: A Game of Croquet (1873) by Édouard Manet. As a croquet enthusiast, I was instantly drawn in. Curious to learn more, I began researching and discovered that Manet didn’t just paint one croquet scene—he painted two. The second is titled The Croquet Party (1871). Both works beautifully capture the spirit of the game we all love.

A Bit of Croquet History

Croquet may feel very English today, but its roots actually trace back to 17th-century France, where a similar game called paille-maille was played. The modern version of croquet—with hoops, mallets, and wooden balls—was standardized in England in the 1850s and quickly became a fashionable social pastime, especially among the Victorian upper class. It soon spread to the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. While its popularity has shifted over the decades, croquet remains a game rich in tradition and style—qualities that clearly appealed to Manet.

A Game of Croquet (1873) - Manet and Impressionism History

Location: Städel Museum, Frankfurt

About: This is Manet’s only known plein-air (outdoor) painting. It shows a croquet match taking place in a sunlit garden, with elegantly dressed figures including Alfred Stevens, Victorine Meurent, Alice Lecouvé, and Paul Roudier. The light brushwork and casual composition give the scene a relaxed, summery feel—something every croquet player can appreciate.

The Croquet Party (1871) - Manet and Impressionism History

 Location: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City

About: Set near the seaside at Boulogne-sur-Mer, this painting depicts another casual croquet gathering among friends. With its open lawn, soft light, and gentle seaside breeze, the scene evokes the social elegance that’s always been part of the game’s charm.

About Manet

Édouard Manet (1832–1883) is often considered a bridge between Realism and Impressionism. Though he never officially joined the Impressionist movement, his focus on modern life, everyday leisure, and his bold, fresh brushwork marked a turning point in art history. And for us croquet players, it’s meaningful to see our beloved sport captured by a master painter at such a pivotal time in cultural history.

These paintings not only highlight the timeless appeal of croquet but also celebrate the elegance and camaraderie that still define the game today. I wanted to share these images and their stories with my fellow croquet players at the USCA and beyond—because when art meets sport in such a beautiful way, it deserves to be seen and appreciated.