Well Hello Mr. Mendez

Manet’s realism style painting of a bar maid facing out to the viewer is a very complex and detailed painting. The mirror behind exposes not only the patron who is out of view, but an entire elaborate scene of the Folies Bergere and the décor, the guest and spectators as well as the feet of one of the performers high in the air on a trapeze.  

My own perspective of this painting is drawn from my 15-year stint as a bartender at the Stage on Broadway down on Broadway in Nashville TN. In this photograph you see a scene in the mirror behind me of the people in the back on the dance floor carryon in front of the iconic Mural painted by Ron Sweeney that is exclusive to this family-owned establishment. Unlike the skewed perspective of the client, the back of mine is in the scene.  

This is the account of an actual incident. Mr. Mendez always came in flirting with me. He was always good at conversing. There was always a bit of a spark between him and I. On this particular evening, he came in and was extremely flirty, proceeded to tell me how beautiful I was. A half an hour went by, and I looked up from making drinks to see him making out with a customer in front of my well. Mr. Mendez is featured in the mirror pointing at me giving me a wink, while he squeezes the girl’s buttocks on the other side of the bar out of my site. I will always hold a soft spot for Mr. Mendez in my heart, but he has earned a spot on my Hall of Shame.