The Parapet of the Bridge, plate 5 from Le Fleuve

The Parapet of the Bridge, plate 5 from Le Fleuve by Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883) is a compelling example of 19th-century collaborative graphic work. Created in 1874, this image was one of eight illustrations produced by Manet for Le Fleuve (The River), a collection of poetry by the Symbolist writer Charles Cros. The composition depicts a simple, direct view across the stone parapet of a bridge, showcasing Manet’s commitment to capturing unadorned scenes of contemporary life in France.

Manet utilized a sophisticated combination of printmaking techniques for this impression, including etching, drypoint, and aquatint, executed in black ink on ivory laid paper. This layered approach allowed the artist to achieve a rich textural quality; the etching defines the structure of the bridge, the drypoint adds characteristic burr and linear spontaneity, and the aquatint provides delicate tonal shading across the sky and water below. Manet was keenly interested in graphic arts, viewing prints not merely as reproductions but as a primary medium for innovative artistic expression.

The production involved a significant effort from the Parisian artistic community. The plates were printed by the masters Auguste Delâtre and Cochet and subsequently published by Librairie de l'eau-forte and Richard Lesclide. The collaboration underscores the close intersection of literary and visual arts among the avant-garde of the 1870s. As a crucial contributor to modern art, Manet’s handling of light and composition is evident even in this small-scale print. This important work is held within the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a testament to Manet’s mastery across varied artistic disciplines.