M. Manet (The Artist's Father) II

M. Manet (The Artist's Father) II by Édouard Manet French, 1832-1883, is an intensely focused print created in 1861, depicting the artist’s father, Auguste Manet. This work is a sophisticated study in graphic technique, executed using a combination of etching, aquatint, and deliberate plate tone manipulation, rendered in black ink on ivory laid paper. The variety of marks achieved through these processes allowed Manet to translate the depth and atmosphere typically found in his oil paintings into the precision of printmaking.

The somber, direct gaze of the sitter defines this portrait, reflecting the reserved sensibility common among influential figures of mid-19th century France. Created early in the artist’s career, this piece underscores Manet’s determination to document his immediate social circle and family with an unflinching commitment to realism, setting him apart from the Academic conventions prevalent at the time. The skillful use of aquatint provides rich, velvety shadows that define the contours of the figure against the background, emphasizing the psychological gravity of the subject.

This important graphic work is preserved within the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering insight into the technical evolution of modern prints. While the original impression remains protected by the museum, the wide distribution facilitated by Manet’s use of various printmaking media has resulted in this and other graphic studies entering the public domain, allowing greater access to his significant graphic output from 1861. Manet’s commitment to mastering graphic arts alongside painting established him as a key figure in modern art in France.