Artwork
Civil War (Guerre civile)
Civil War (Guerre civile) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Civil War (Guerre civile) is a print created by French painter Edouard Manet in 1871. Executed as a lithograph mounted on a thin paper support (chine collé), the work reflects Manet’s brief foray into printmaking during a period of intense political upheaval in Europe.
Technique & Style
The image was produced by drawing directly onto a limestone surface with greasy ink, then transferring the design onto a lightweight paper adhered to a sturdier backing—a process known as chine collé. This method allowed Manet to achieve fine detail while preserving the delicate texture of the printed surface.
History & Provenance
Manet completed the lithograph shortly after the Franco‑Prussian War and the Paris Commune, events that informed the work’s title. Though not widely exhibited during his lifetime, the print entered several private collections in the late 19th century before being acquired by a major museum in the early 20th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.
La Borne - Verdun (The End - Verdun)
Hungry Dogs, Second Stone, second state
Untitled
L'empire c'est la paix
The Germans Arrive
a) Dead German Soldier (recto); b) Head of a Soldier (verso)
Tiger Sleeping at the Entrance to its Lair (Tigre couché à l'entrée de son antre)
The End - Verdun
The Question Mark
Place Gerson and Rue Restot
Tail Piece for Chapter XXI from "Lorna Doone"
Civil War (Scene of the Commune of Paris)