The River in the Plain

The River in the Plain is a sophisticated print executed in 1874 by Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883), with the printing overseen by Auguste Delâtre and associated text written by Charles Cros. This piece exemplifies Manet’s growing engagement with graphic arts, utilizing etching and drypoint techniques to create a nuanced image in black ink on fine ivory Japanese paper.

The classification as a print allowed Manet to explore line work and tonal depth that contrasted with his well-known oil paintings. The technical application of drypoint provides a rich, velvety burr to the edges of the lines, lending tangible texture to the depiction of the river as it winds through a sparsely defined plain. This emphasis on landscape and atmosphere was characteristic of the era in France, where artists were beginning to prioritize momentary sensory experience over academic formality.

The collaborative creation process, involving renowned printer Delâtre and poet Cros, places the work firmly within the dynamic artistic and literary circles of Parisian culture during the 1870s. Manet’s versatility across different media is evident here, showing a commitment to mastering both the etching needle and the canvas brush. The choice of Japanese paper was fashionable among Parisian printmakers, valued for its thinness and ability to hold fine detail. This important work is part of the extensive collection of prints held by the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a key resource for the study of Manet’s graphic output, much of which has since entered the public domain.