Title: Portrait de M. Antonin Proust
Artist: Édouard Manet
Date: 1869
Medium: Original Etching on Laid Paper
Edition: From the Rare Limited Edition
Dimensions: 6 x 9.5 in
Condition Report: Good

Description:
This monochrome etching, after Édouard Manet’s original oil painting, depicts M. Antonin Proust, elegantly posed in the center of the composition. The neutral background highlights the figure’s dignified stance and formal attire. The monochromatic rendering emphasizes Manet’s masterful distribution of tonal values, showcasing the depth and realism of his portraiture.

About the Artist:
Édouard Manet (1832–1883) was a pioneering French artist celebrated as a forerunner of modern art. Born into a prominent Parisian family, he rejected a traditional career path to pursue his passion for painting. Early in his career, he captured scenes of contemporary life with bold brushstrokes and innovative compositions, inspiring the Impressionist movement. Despite facing harsh criticism for his unconventional themes, Manet earned recognition for his unique vision and groundbreaking style.

Among his most notable works is Olympia, a daring and controversial painting that challenged traditional artistic norms, earning both scorn and admiration. Over his lifetime, Manet created over 400 paintings, leaving a profound legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 19th century. His works, such as A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, continue to captivate viewers with their vivid storytelling and modern sensibility.