The Toilette

"The Toilette," created by the influential French artist Édouard Manet (1832-1883) in 1862, offers a crucial glimpse into the domestic and private life typical of Second Empire France. This work is classified as a print, specifically an etching rendered in black on delicate ivory laid Chinese paper. Though perhaps best known for his large, controversial oil paintings, Manet frequently utilized the medium of prints, exploring techniques like etching and lithography to disseminate his ideas and preparatory studies widely.

The subject matter aligns with a recurring motif in 19th-century French art-the ritual of grooming or dressing-a theme known simply as "The Toilette." However, Manet’s handling of the print medium is distinctly modern. The etching technique allows for a rapid execution, lending the image a spontaneity and immediacy often absent in the more finished canvases of his contemporaries. This approach underscores the artist's dedication to capturing the casual, unposed nature of modern daily existence, moving away from rigid academic formalism.

As a central figure of French modernism, Manet utilized prints like this piece to develop compositional ideas and experiment with the high-contrast effects of light and shadow. The resulting image feels immediate, almost like a sketch, highlighting the economy of line achievable through etching. This work, showcasing Manet’s pivotal role in bridging academic tradition and nascent Impressionism, is preserved today as a vital example of 19th-century graphic arts. This original print resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because many of Manet’s prints are now considered part of the public domain, they remain accessible for study, reinforcing the lasting impact of his contribution to modern art.