Artwork
Portrait of Isabelle Lemonnier
Portrait of Isabelle Lemonnier is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Édouard Manet’s oil portrait titled *Portrait of Isabelle Lemonnier* dates from 1890 and is part of the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The work depicts a seated woman in a dark dress, rendered against a muted background that suggests a table and a vase to her right.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, identified as Isabelle Lemonnier, is presented with short dark hair, a low‑cut dress and a simple brooch. Her gaze meets the viewer directly, while her relaxed posture and neutral expression convey a quiet intimacy, inviting contemplation of the individual’s presence rather than a narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Manet employs a restrained palette and strong chiaroscuro, allowing light to model the figure against the surrounding darkness. The blurred treatment of the face and background creates a sense of depth, while the crisp rendering of the dress and brooch demonstrates his skill in balancing detail with atmospheric softness.
History & Provenance
Created toward the end of Manet’s career, the portrait entered the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s holdings in the early 20th century through a private donation. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s early commitment to representing French modernist painting within its European collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.
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