Claire Campbell
1876
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1876
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
A young woman in a dark dress sits sideways, her face turned toward us. The background is soft and hazy, all warm browns and creams. Quick, powdery strokes give her skin a glowing look. Manet painted this with pastels, not oil. His hands were hurting, so he switched to the easier medium. The strokes are loose but precise—each one builds her face and dress with color and light. Claire Campbell was British, the daughter of a newspaper owner. She looks calm, almost like she’s waiting for something. Look up more of Manet’s pastel portraits next.
