Artwork
Still Life with Fish and Shrimp
Still Life with Fish and Shrimp is an oil painting by the Realist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum. Édouard Manet’s 1864 oil painting presents a modest still‑life arrangement centered on a single fish and a few shrimp.
About this work
Overview
Édouard Manet’s 1864 oil painting presents a modest still‑life arrangement centered on a single fish and a few shrimp. The composition rests on a white rectangular plate edged with green foliage, set against a deep, muted background that accentuates the muted tones of the marine subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a side‑lying fish with a dark dorsal side and a lighter belly, accompanied by pink shrimp positioned to its left. The sparse setting and restrained palette suggest an interest in the quiet observation of everyday objects, inviting contemplation of form and texture rather than narrative content.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, Manet employs a limited color range and soft brushwork to render the fish’s sleek surface and the delicate translucence of the shrimp. The dark backdrop creates a chiaroscuro effect, allowing the illuminated plate and its contents to emerge with subtle clarity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1864, the painting entered the collection of the Norton Simon Museum, where it remains on display. Its presence in a major American institution reflects the continued scholarly and public interest in Manet’s contributions to 19th‑century still‑life painting.
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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.
