Gypsy with a cigarette
- Original dimensions
- 73.5 x 92 cm
- Museum
- Princeton University Art Museum
- Year
- 1862
Scene depicted
The painting “Gitane avec une cigarette” highlights a gypsy woman in deep contemplation, cigarette in hand, a symbol of a freedom and boldness that are uniquely hers. Illuminated by soft light, the scene exudes an enigmatic atmosphere, captivating the viewer in a reflection on identity and culture.
Historical context
Created in 1862, during a period of cultural upheaval, this painting unfolds in bohemian Paris, an emblematic city of the artistic movements of the time. Manet, a prominent figure of naturalism, introduces a new sensitivity through this painting, currently preserved at the Princeton University Art Museum . The canvas, measuring 73.5 x 92 cm, is an invitation to explore a scene tinged with mystery and life.
Place in the artist's career
This masterpiece represents a significant milestone in Manet's career, marking an evolution towards greater expressiveness. Following his previous works such as “Olympia” and “Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe,” this painting illustrates a period where the artist seeks the meeting between naivety and sophistication, refusing to confine himself to conventions.
Anecdote
Manet once declared: “Art is the most beautiful way to question the world.” The inspiration for Gitane avec une cigarette is said to have arisen from a chance encounter in a quiet alley, shimmering with the bursts of day, where the charm of a face crossed would have captivated his gaze. This fleeting moment imbues the composition with depth and authenticity.