Who painted Au Paradis (In the Balcony)?

Au Paradis (In the Balcony) was painted by Edouard Manet in 1858.

Where can I see Au Paradis (In the Balcony)?

Au Paradis (In the Balcony) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Au Paradis (In the Balcony)?

Au Paradis (In the Balcony) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Au Paradis (In the Balcony)

Edouard Manet , 1858

Au Paradis (In the Balcony) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Au Paradis (In the Balcony) is a transfer lithograph executed by the French painter Edouard Manet in 1858. The work presents a nocturnal balcony scene rendered in a loose, sketch‑like manner, emphasizing the immediacy of the moment rather than detailed finish.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts three figures gathered on a balcony at night. Two of the individuals are clearly visible: one wears a hat and coat, the other a lighter hat, while the third is largely concealed in shadow. The contrast between the illuminated faces and the surrounding darkness draws attention to their expressions and the intimacy of the encounter.

Technique & Style

Manet employed the transfer lithography process, allowing him to reproduce rapid, gestural lines directly onto the stone. The resulting print is characterized by brisk, sketchy strokes that convey movement and spontaneity, while the tonal contrast between the bright facial features and the deep night sky heightens the visual drama.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 1850s, the lithograph belongs to the early period of Manet’s career, preceding his more famous oil paintings. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s own print series, though specific ownership records for this particular impression are limited.

Context

The work emerges at a time when French artists were experimenting with new print technologies to capture fleeting moments, a practice that anticipated the later Impressionist focus on light and atmosphere. Manet’s choice of a night scene on a balcony reflects contemporary interest in urban leisure spaces.