Who painted Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower)?

Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower) was painted by Edouard Manet in 1869.

Where can I see Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower)?

Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower)?

Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower)

Edouard Manet , 1869

Fleur Exotique (Exotic Flower) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Fleur Exotique, an 1869 print by Édouard Manet, presents a solitary female figure rendered in black ink on laid paper.

About this work

Overview

Fleur Exotique, an 1869 print by Édouard Manet, presents a solitary female figure rendered in black ink on laid paper. The composition centers on a woman with her hair pulled back, dressed in a dark, draped garment featuring a high neckline and a long, flowing skirt. She holds a feather fan in one hand and a small bouquet in the other, her posture suggesting quiet poise.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts an intimate, domestic scene, focusing on the elegance of the sitter’s attire and accessories rather than narrative action. The fan and bouquet function as symbols of femininity and refinement, while the restrained palette emphasizes form over color, inviting contemplation of the figure’s inner composure.

Technique & Style

Manet employed a combination of etching and aquatint, using fine, controlled lines to model the texture of hair and fabric. The aquatint areas provide subtle tonal variation, creating depth in the drapery and shadows. This approach aligns with mid‑nineteenth‑century printmaking practices that favored delicate line work and nuanced tonal washes.

History & Provenance

Created in 1869, Fleur Exotique was produced as a companion piece to Armand Renaud’s work of the same title. The print was issued on laid paper, a common support for fine art prints of the period, and has since been catalogued among Manet’s limited series of graphic works.

Context

During the late 1860s, Manet explored printmaking alongside his painting, experimenting with the medium’s capacity for detail and tonal subtlety. This period also saw a broader interest among French artists in reproducing images of everyday life and fashionable subjects through etching and aquatint.