Under the Lamp ("Once upon a midnight dreary..."), from The Raven (Le Corbeau)

Under the Lamp ("Once upon a midnight dreary..."), from The Raven (Le Corbeau), is a powerful transfer lithograph created by Édouard Manet in 1875. This image is one of the visual interpretations accompanying the deluxe French translation of Edgar Allan Poe’s renowned narrative poem, The Raven. The highly significant collaborative project was conceived and translated by the Symbolist poet Stéphane Mallarmé, while Manet provided the four striking illustrations. Printed in France by Lefman et Cie. and published by Richard Lesclide, the resulting volume marked a seminal fusion of French aesthetic sensibilities and American Romantic literature.

Manet employed the complex method of transfer lithography, executed in black ink on delicate gray China paper. This technique allowed the Impressionist master to translate the expressive fluidity of his drawings into a reproducible print format. The composition captures the psychological atmosphere of the opening stanzas, focusing on the narrator’s chamber and the dramatic lighting referenced in the subtitle. The contrast achieved in the print highlights the nocturnal setting and the impending appearance of the titular creature. This technical mastery demonstrates Manet's commitment to the graphic arts, a field where he achieved as much notoriety as he did in painting.

The production of this print volume in 1875 underscores the profound cultural exchange happening in France during the mid-19th century, particularly the Symbolists’ affinity for Poe's melancholic depth. Though often celebrated for his canvases, Manet’s contribution to graphic arts, particularly his lithographs, remains vital to the study of Modern printmaking. This exceptional print is classified as part of the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, providing a key reference point for scholars examining the intersection of literature and visual arts. As a celebrated work in the history of prints, this piece often enters the public domain, allowing for widespread access and study of Manet’s graphic ingenuity.