Artwork Page for The Guitarist

Details / Information for The Guitarist

The Guitarist

1861

Édouard Manet

(French, 1832–1883)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
etching
Credit Line
The Fanny Tewksbury King Collection 1956.747
Catalogue raisonné
Harris 12
State
I/V
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Manet’s painting The Spanish Singer won popular and critical success when it was exhibited in Paris at the annual Salon of 1860. The artist capitalized on the recognition of the painting and produced an etched version of the composition the following year that proved equally successful. Manet’s subject was inspired by Jaime Bosch, a virtuoso guitarist who was wildly popular in Paris in the mid-19th century. The Catalonian guitarist took part in the musical soirées organized by Madame Manet, the artist’s mother, at her home in Paris.
A black-and-white vertically oriented etching depicts a man seated on a wooden bench angling toward our right. He wears a wide-brimmed straw hat over a headscarf, a dark jacket, and loose trousers. His mouth is slightly open as he plays a guitar. A large ceramic jug sits on the ground to the left. Heavy, intersecting lines create deep shadows and a textured background around the figure.

The Guitarist

1861

Édouard Manet

(French, 1832–1883)
France, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork