The River in the Plain, plate 4 from Le Fleuve

The River in the Plain, plate 4 from Le Fleuve is an important print produced in 1874 by the influential French artist Édouard Manet. This collaborative portfolio, Le Fleuve (The River), combined Manet's visual artistry with poetry written by Charles Cros, and was printed by Auguste Delâtre and Cochet. It was subsequently published by Librairie de l'eau-forte and Richard Lesclide. The complex medium involves etching, drypoint, and aquatint executed in black ink on ivory laid paper, showcasing Manet’s technical dexterity in graphic arts.

Manet was a key figure in the transition to modern art in France, and his dedication to printmaking was integral to his practice. Unlike his monumental oil paintings, this smaller scale work, a component of a published portfolio, reflects his interest in disseminating his vision through high-quality prints. By combining etching (for line work), drypoint (for rich, burred textures), and aquatint (for broad tonal areas), Manet achieves a compelling atmospheric rendering of the scene implied by the title: a river traversing flat, open ground.

The work dates to a pivotal period in the mid-1870s when artists were actively exploring landscapes and contemporary subject matter. While rooted in the artistic traditions of France, Manet’s handling of light and shadow reflects the progressive tendencies of the era. This valuable print provides insight into Manet’s collaborative spirit and his mastery over demanding reproductive processes. Due to its age and historical significance, the image is often referenced in the public domain for academic research. This fine example of 19th-century French graphic work is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.