Artwork
Portrait of Alice Legouvé
Portrait of Alice Legouvé is an oil painting by Edouard Manet. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Hammer Museum.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of Alice Legouvé is an 1875 oil painting by Édouard Manet, currently in the collection of the Hammer Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Alice Legouvé, a woman with dark hair tied with a red ribbon, who engages the viewer with a direct gaze. Her attire includes a black jacket over a white-collared shirt, accented by a red rose brooch, conveying a sense of understated elegance and personal character.
Technique & Style
Manet employed bold brushstrokes and a juxtaposition of vivid colors (notably the red accents) against a muted gray background, enhancing the portrait's depth and texture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1875, the painting's history prior to its acquisition by the Hammer Museum is not detailed here.
Context
This work reflects Manet's ability to capture the intimacy and essence of his sitters, characteristic of his portraiture style during this period.
Legacy
As part of the Hammer Museum's collection, the portrait provides insight into Manet's artistic approach and continues to be appreciated for its nuanced portrayal of Alice Legouvé.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.
