Artwork

The Reader (Le liseur)

The Reader (Le liseur), by Édouard Manet, ink, 1861
The Reader (Le liseur), by Édouard Manet, ink, 1861

The Reader (Le liseur) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Édouard Manet. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Reader (Le liseur) is an etching created by Edouard Manet in 1861.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a woman in profile, engrossed in reading a book. She wears a dark dress with a white collar, and soft light falls on her shoulders.

Technique & Style

Manet employed the drypoint technique, scratching lines into metal with a needle to achieve rough yet bold effects, indicating a deliberate and considered work rather than a quick sketch.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Reader (Le liseur)?

The Reader (Le liseur) was painted by Édouard Manet in 1861.

Where can I see The Reader (Le liseur)?

The Reader (Le liseur) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Reader (Le liseur)?

The Reader (Le liseur) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Reader (Le liseur)?

Museum-quality prints of The Reader (Le liseur) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.