Artwork

Spring

Spring, by Edouard Manet, oil
Spring, by Edouard Manet, oil

Spring is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

About this work

It first appeared at the Paris Salon of 1882 and marked the biggest public triumph of his Salon career.

Spring is an oil‑on‑canvas work painted by French artist Édouard Manet in 1881. It first appeared at the Paris Salon of 1882 and marked the biggest public triumph of his Salon career. The picture shows Parisian actress Jeanne DeMarsy dressed in a floral outfit, holding a parasol and wearing a bonnet, set against leafy foliage and a blue sky that together embody the season.

The painting also holds a historic footnote: it was the first artwork ever reproduced in colour. Because of its success, the piece secured a place in a major collection.

You can see it at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Overview

Spring is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Édouard Manet in 1881. It is now held in the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Jeanne DeMarsy, a Parisian actress, dressed in a floral outfit with a parasol and bonnet, set against a backdrop of lush foliage and blue sky, symbolizing the season of Spring.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work showcases Manet's skill in capturing the interplay of figure and landscape.

History & Provenance

Spring debuted at the Paris Salon of 1882, marking a significant public success for Manet. It was also the first artwork to be published in color, highlighting its impact beyond the Salon.

Legacy

The painting's success secured its place in a major collection, ensuring its continued relevance and visibility.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edouard Manet

Artist

Edouard Manet

Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: J. Paul Getty Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.