Artwork
The Smoker (Le fumeur)
The Smoker (Le fumeur) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Smoker (Le fumeur) is a print created by Edouard Manet in 1866 using etching and drypoint techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts an older man with a beard and soft hat, caught in the act of smoking, conveying a sense of informality and spontaneity.
Technique & Style
Manet employed etching and drypoint to achieve a sketch-like quality, characterized by rough, uneven lines that give the impression of a fleeting moment.
Context
As a printmaker, Manet utilized techniques involving acid and needles to scratch into a metal plate, producing an image with a distinctive, unpolished aesthetic.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.
Auguste Rodin
Bildnisstudie H. St. (Portrait Study of H. St.)
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Old Bearded Man in a High Fur Cap, with Eyes Closed
Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand
Beggar (Un mendiant)
A Standing Oriental Wearing a Greatcoat
Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak