Artwork

Man Wearing a Cloak [recto]

Man Wearing a Cloak [recto], by Édouard Manet, charcoal, 1855
Man Wearing a Cloak [recto], by Édouard Manet, charcoal, 1855

Man Wearing a Cloak [recto] is a charcoal drawing by the Impressionist artist Édouard Manet. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in charcoal: ed m

About this work

Overview

Man Wearing a Cloak [recto] is a charcoal drawing on wove paper created by Edouard Manet in 1855.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a figure standing in profile, enveloped in a heavy cloak. The subject's posture is stiff, suggesting they may be concealing or holding something.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, expressive charcoal strokes, the work eschews detailed rendering in favor of quick, gestural marks. This approach emphasizes the texture of the cloak and the overall pose of the figure.

Context

The sketch is associated with the Realist movement, characterized by its focus on direct observation and unidealized representation.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Édouard Manet

Artist

Édouard Manet

Édouard Manet was a French modernist painter. He was one of the first 19th-century artists to paint modern life, as well as a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Man Wearing a Cloak [recto]?

Man Wearing a Cloak [recto] was painted by Édouard Manet in 1855.

Where can I see Man Wearing a Cloak [recto]?

Man Wearing a Cloak [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Man Wearing a Cloak [recto]?

Man Wearing a Cloak [recto] is associated with Impressionism.