WASHINGTON DC, United States — "The Old Musician" (1862) by Edouard Manet, on display at the National Gallery of Art. This significant work depicts a group of marginalized figures from 1860s Paris, showcasing Manet's innovative painting techniques and his role in bridging academic art with the emerging Impressionist movement. The painting offers a neutral, yet poignant portrayal of urban life during Paris's grand renovation under Napoleon III.
Photograph by David Coleman. Edouard Manet's "The Old Musician," painted in 1862, is a pivotal work in the artist's oeuvre and in the development of modern art. Measuring x cm (73 3/4 x 97 13/16 in.), this oil on canvas painting is housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, The work depicts a group of seven figures, centered around an elderly violinist, set against a stark, ambiguous background. These characters - including a gypsy girl with an infant, an acrobat, a street urchin, a drunkard, and a ragpicker - represent the marginalized population of Paris during its massive urban renewal under Baron Haussmann. Manet's painting technique, characterized by the juxtaposition of pigments rather than blending, was revolutionary for its time and greatly influenced the Impressionists who followed. This approach gives the painting a direct, immediate quality that was at odds with the smooth finishes favored by the academic style. "The Old Musician" exemplifies Manet's commitment to painting modern life, as championed by his friend, the poet Charles Baudelaire. The painting's neutral, almost detached portrayal of its subjects reflects a distinctly modern sensibility, avoiding sentimentality or moral judgment. This work stands as a testament to Manet's role as a bridge between traditional academic painting and the avant-garde movements that would transform art in the latter half of the 19th century.
Size: 7159px × 4778px
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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