The Man with the Dog

"The Man with the Dog" is a compelling work by the French master, Édouard Manet (1832-1883). Executed between 1877 and 1883, this unique piece is rendered using pastel directly on canvas, prepared with an off-white gouache ground. This technical preparation was crucial; the bright underlayer heightened the final luminosity and allowed Manet to fully exploit the immediate chromatic intensity and dry, velvety texture of the pastel sticks, promoting a sense of spontaneity and lightness.

The work dates from the final years of Manet’s life, a significant period when the artist, often facing declining health, frequently turned to pastels for quick studies and intimate portraiture. This medium offered a preferred speed and delicacy over the demanding scale of his traditional oil paintings. Although classified under the general classification of prints in cataloging, the unique handling and direct application of the pigment underscore Manet's innovative approach to drawing and color in his final decade.

The subject, depicting a lone gentleman accompanied by a loyal dog, reflects the subtle, casual observation of modern life that defines Manet’s contribution to French Impressionism. His focus here is on intimate, seemingly unposed subject matter, capturing the figure with immediacy and flair. Manet’s ability to fuse techniques traditionally associated with drawing into a finished canvas makes The Man with the Dog an important study of his evolving style in France. The work is preserved as part of the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.