At the Prado I

At the Prado I by Édouard Manet French, 1832-1883, is a striking example of the artist’s commitment to exploring media outside of traditional oil painting during a pivotal period of 19th-century French art. Executed in 1863, this work employs the complex techniques of etching and aquatint, rendered in black ink on cream laid paper. This choice of medium allowed Manet to experiment freely with contrasting textures, using etching for crisp definition and aquatint for subtle tonal shading.

Manet’s work of the 1860s was heavily influenced by the Spanish masters, particularly Velázquez and Goya, whose works were centrally housed at the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Though rooted in the artistic culture of France, this print reflects the artist’s deep appreciation for the drama and shadow characteristic of Spanish Baroque painting, anticipating his direct engagement with Spanish culture during his 1865 trip. The theme allows Manet to demonstrate his mastery over the demanding processes inherent in fine art prints, using stark light and shadow to define his subjects.

The innovative approach Manet took to graphic arts cemented his status as a transitional figure between Realism and Impressionism. While often overshadowed by his celebrated canvases, these prints reveal the breadth of his technical skill and his continuous experimentation with form. Classified as a foundational example of 19th-century French graphic arts, this highly important piece is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Its historical significance and age allow digital copies of this Manet masterwork to be widely accessible today through public domain resources.