The Spanish Singer

The Spanish Singer, created by Édouard Manet and printed by Auguste Delâtre between 1861 and 1862, is an essential early example of the French artist’s modern approach to printmaking. This sophisticated black-and-white work was executed using a complex matrix of etching, lavis (a technique simulating ink wash), and roulette. These methods allowed Manet to achieve rich tonal variation and painterly effects, skillfully applied to delicate ivory China paper. The printmaking effort coincides with Manet’s highly successful painting of the same subject exhibited at the Salon of 1861, establishing his reputation for controversial realism.

This period marks Manet’s intense engagement with Spanish subjects, an interest fueled by renewed cultural exchange and the study of Spanish Golden Age masters like Goya and Velázquez. The figure depicted is often associated with the Spanish Gitano or itinerant street musician, reflecting the mid-19th-century Parisian fascination with exotic, often romanticized, Iberian culture. Rather than adhering to academic tradition, Manet focused on the figure’s direct gaze and dramatic costume, utilizing stark realism and strong contrast that defined his emerging style. The technical collaboration with Delâtre, a highly respected printer, was crucial in translating Manet’s vision into this successful edition of prints. As a foundational work of modern art from France, the piece is a highly regarded component of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. The enduring influence of this image ensures that high-quality reproductions of these early Manet prints are widely available through public domain archives.