Young Man Standing (Léon Leenhoff) (recto); Sketch of Standing Boy (verso)

Young Man Standing (Léon Leenhoff) (recto); Sketch of Standing Boy (verso), attributed to Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883), is a compelling double-sided drawing from 1864-1865. Classified as a drawing, this work was executed in black crayon on tannish-buff laid paper containing distinctive blue fibers. The recto features a meticulous study of Léon Leenhoff, the artist’s stepson and frequent model. This preparatory study, made during a pivotal period in Manet’s career, is notable for its exacting detail and the use of graphite squaring. This technical detail suggests the artist intended to transfer or scale the figure to a larger format, potentially anticipating a finished oil painting or a subsequent fine art print.

As a pivotal figure in 19th-century France, Manet frequently utilized drawing to resolve compositional issues and capture the likeness of figures close to him. The recto demonstrates the careful observation required for portraiture, while the verso provides a contrasting view: a rapid Sketch of Standing Boy, demonstrating the swift, observational drawing typical of the period. The technique across both sides relies on firm, deliberate strokes of black crayon to define form and volume.

Drawings such as this are crucial for understanding Manet’s artistic process, revealing how he moved from preliminary observation to finished conception. Retained in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, this drawing offers valuable insight into the preparations for the major compositions for which Manet is known. Given its age and status as a study, the image is frequently studied by scholars, and because preparatory drawings of this era are often made available through the public domain, they are widely accessible for educational reference.