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

Flying Raven: ex libris, from The Raven (Le Corbeau) is a crucial print created by Édouard Manet in 1875, illustrating one of the most significant literary collaborations of the French Symbolist movement. This work was designed specifically as the ex libris or bookplate for Stéphane Mallarmé’s celebrated translation of Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic poem, The Raven.

Executed as a transfer lithograph in rich black ink on ivory parchment paper, the technique captures the dramatic intensity of the subject while demonstrating Manet’s skill in graphic arts. The process of transfer lithography allowed Manet a fluidity of drawing, contrasting sharply with the rigidity of traditional engraving methods. The resulting image is stark and immediate: a powerful, winged silhouette soaring against a pale ground, perfectly embodying the poem’s theme of spectral visitation and sorrow.

The production of Le Corbeau was a pivotal event in 19th-century France, merging the macabre genius of American literature with the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the French avant-garde. The edition, published by Richard Lesclide and printed by Lefman et Cie., featured a limited run and showcased Manet’s distinctive visual interpretation across several illustrations.

While Manet is primarily known for his revolutionary paintings, these lithographs confirm his enduring influence on modern prints and illustration. The intense visual minimalism of this piece elevates the ex libris beyond mere decoration into a resonant work of art. This significant print, essential to understanding the collaboration between Manet and Mallarmé, is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.