The Absinthe Drinker

The Absinthe Drinker is a foundational image in 19th-century French art, executed by Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883) assisted by Félix Henri Bracquemond (French, 1833-1914) in 1862. This powerful work, a departure from traditional academic subjects, explores modern urban poverty and alienation. The print utilizes the complex techniques of etching and aquatint applied in black ink onto cream Japanese laid paper. The technical collaboration and choice of medium suggest an effort to widely disseminate the image, possibly published by Alfred Porcabeuf.

Manet frequently explored the marginalized figures and changing social dynamics of Second Empire France. Although based on his 1859 oil painting, this print version offers a stark, high-contrast rendition of the subject—a lone figure immersed in his solitary vice. The image captures the social anxiety surrounding absinthe consumption, which was highly controversial at the time due to its association with intoxication and societal decay. This choice of subject cemented Manet’s reputation as a pioneer of modernity, challenging Parisian Salon standards by portraying life’s grittier realities rather than idealized narratives.

The ability of prints to circulate complex images widely was crucial for avant-garde artists. This specific impression is held in the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a critical example of early modern printmaking in France. As a historical work now frequently referenced in scholarly research, the foundational imagery related to The Absinthe Drinker has entered the realm of widely accessible art history, often found in digital public domain resources.