Self Portrait with Palette Édouard Manet (1832-1883)
Édouard Manet – Self Portrait with Palette
Edit attribution
Download full size: 1653×2000 px (0,2 Mb)
Painter: Édouard Manet
Location: Private Collection
Album navigation:
This painting appears to have been painted before Manet suffered an injury on a bicycle that led him to rheumatism and then to the amputation of his leg. This artist had a terrible fate: he was hated by the critics, despised and laughed at by visitors to the salons where he displayed his work. And finally, the illness actually took time away from his work. In addition, the artist had the misfortune to live at a time when France was just feverish with the abundance of fateful events. But the artist almost never got involved in politics.
ArtClub
Best Contemporary Atists
Description of Eduard Manet’s painting Self-Portrait with Brushes
This painting appears to have been painted before Manet suffered an injury on a bicycle that led him to rheumatism and then to the amputation of his leg. This artist had a terrible fate: he was hated by the critics, despised and laughed at by visitors to the salons where he displayed his work. And finally, the illness actually took time away from his work. In addition, the artist had the misfortune to live at a time when France was just feverish with the abundance of fateful events.
But the artist almost never got involved in politics. Although sometimes still had to participate in the revolutionary events. And yet, in spite of the turmoil, he managed to paint. And he worked a lot. Then there was Impressionism, and then again the search for his style. It was for these searches and compromises that his critics beat him up. Even a sick man.
In the self-portrait, everything is just beginning, just the first rudiments of future misfortune. And you can see it - thinness, some wariness in his eyes, but still his main "tool" - his brushes - he firmly holds. It was then that he would have difficulty holding the brush and drawing, overcoming the pain. It will be later, when he is completely ill, that he will be awarded
an honorary order and will be recognized as the greatest artist of France. And when he is gone, the whole of artistic Paris will come to his funeral. Everyone will be there: those who hated him and those who sympathized with him, and everyone will mourn his talent. But that will be when he himself will not hear it.
Such a strange pattern: a talented person is alive - we face him in the mud and throw insults, as soon as he leaves - we recognize his talent and say how sorry he left us so early. And this is not a purely Russian "tradition. It comes from Europe, the case of Manet is a prime example.
This portrait is a reminder to everyone: "What we have, we don’t appreciate. And when we lose, we cry."
COMMENTS: 1 Ответы
“Автопортрет с палитрой” Эдуарда Мане. Аукционная стоимость картины – 22,4 миллиона фунтов стерлингов (Сотбис, 22/06/2010).
You cannot comment Why?
The artist’s hand is prominently displayed, holding a paintbrush poised as if ready for application. A palette rests on his lap, covered with dabs and streaks of paint – a direct visual reference to his profession. The brush and palette are not merely props; they actively engage the viewer in an understanding of the subjects identity as an artist.
The background is dark and indistinct, deliberately minimizing distractions from the central figure. This creates a sense of intimacy and focuses attention on the man’s gaze, which is direct and unwavering. There is a certain intensity in his eyes that suggests introspection or perhaps even a challenge directed at the observer.
The application of paint is loose and expressive, with visible brushstrokes contributing to a textured surface. The use of light and shadow creates depth and volume, particularly noticeable on the face and clothing. This technique lends an immediacy and vitality to the portrait, suggesting that it was executed rapidly and spontaneously.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of self-awareness and professional identity. The direct gaze and confident posture suggest a man comfortable in his role as an artist. The palette serves not only as a tool but also as a symbol of creative labor and artistic dedication. The muted color scheme and somber expression hint at a contemplative nature, suggesting that the subject is engaged in a process of self-reflection alongside his artistic endeavors.