Absinthe

Artists, writers and intellectuals gather daily to meet in Paris Cafe's to discuss events in Paris in the early 1870s.  They have their routine of sitting in the same seats, arguing, joking and drinking beer.  Dapper EDOUARD MANET and the talented witty intellectual  EDGAR DEGAS are frequently arguing over the merits of displaying their paintings in the Salon. 

SALON JURORS decide whether the art is good enough to be accepted or rejected.  Both Manet and Degas have successfully had their paintings admitted to the Salon where Manet seeks medals and Degas now questions the competence of the jurors and considers the possibility of breaking away from the Salon entirely. 

It was in Parisean Cafes that the Impressionist Group was formed to independently display their art without interference from the jurors.    It was agreed that no artist could display their art with the Impressionists Group if they submitted their art to the Salon.   Manet prefers to stay with the Salon while Degas is joined by MONET, RENOIR, MORRISOT, CEZANNE, PISSARO and others to organize the First Impressionist Exhibition.

The First Impressionists Exhibition lost money.  Edgar Degas is the motivating force in trying to keep this group of artists together.  He has to deal with replacing artists who defect by returning to the Salon. 

Edgar invites an American artist MARY CASSATT to join the Impressionists in time for the Fourth Exhibition, that was very successful.  Mary is overwhelmed to be the first American invited to the Impressionists.

PAUL GAUGUIN eventually joins group as does SISLEY, SEURAT and others.   Edgar Degas becomes the mentor for Mary Cassatt whose art improves under Degas' influence.   Degas' art commands high prices and was in great demand.  Life seems fine until Degas complains about his failing eyesight.  The DOCTOR confirms that the deterioration will continue and Degas will eventually go blind.  

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