The Raven on the Bust of Pallas ("Perched upon a bust of Pallas..."), from The Raven (Le Corbeau)

The Raven on the Bust of Pallas ("Perched upon a bust of Pallas..."), from The Raven (Le Corbeau) is a significant 1875 print created by Édouard Manet, illustrating Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem as translated by the French Symbolist Stéphane Mallarmé. This artistic collaboration, which included printer Lefman et Cie. and publisher Richard Lesclide, represents a pivotal moment where American literature intersected with late 19th-century visual and literary culture in France.

The work is executed as a transfer lithograph in black on cream laid paper. Manet, known primarily as a painter, mastered printmaking throughout his career, often leveraging the rich, velvety blacks inherent in lithography. Here, the technique creates a somber, atmospheric depth suitable for Poe’s narrative, focusing on the dark silhouette of the raven perched above the classical bust of Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom, as described in the poem. The stark contrasts highlight the psychological tension of the scene.

Mallarmé’s French translation, Le Corbeau, was first published in 1875 alongside four large illustrations by Manet. This prestigious production showcased Manet's ability to interpret complex poetic themes through graphic arts, solidifying his role among the avant-garde. This piece, which exemplifies the revival of fine art prints during the Impressionist era, is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and is widely studied today through public domain resources.