Flying Raven: ex libris, from The Raven (Le Corbeau)

Flying Raven: ex libris, from The Raven (Le Corbeau) is a crucial transfer lithograph created in 1875 by Édouard Manet. This graphic work was conceived as part of a highly significant French literary project: the translation of Edgar Allan Poe's iconic narrative poem, The Raven, rendered into French prose by the Symbolist poet Stéphane Mallarmé. This artistic pairing represents a compelling intersection between American Gothic literature and French artistic modernity during the 19th century.

Manet utilized the transfer lithograph process, allowing for direct, expressive drawing that maintains the spontaneity of an initial sketch. The resulting print, executed in rich black ink on ivory parchment paper, depicts the titular raven in mid-flight, distinguished by Manet’s characteristic economy of line and stark, dramatic contrast. This particular composition was designated as the ex libris, or bookplate, for the volume. The visual simplicity enhances the poem's atmosphere of somber dread, providing a masterful complement to Mallarmé’s translation.

The production, printed by Lefman et Cie. and published by Richard Lesclide, ensured that Le Corbeau cemented its place as an early example of the deluxe livre d’artiste in France. Manet’s set of illustrations for the text showcase his profound dedication to the graphic arts and his lasting influence on subsequent printmakers. While the volume itself is a rare historical artifact, reproductions of these highly detailed prints often circulate in the public domain, allowing for broader critical study. This impression of the Flying Raven currently resides within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.