Méry Laurent in a Black Hat
- Original dimensions
- 44 x 54 cm
- Museum
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
- Year
- 1882
Scene depicted
The painting reveals the timeless beauty of Méry Laurent, a charming figure of Parisian life. Capturing a suspended moment, Manet allows the viewer to imagine the story of a woman both modern and mysterious, where the contrast between her black hat and the luminous background exposes her internal emotions and creates a palpable tension between the subject and the background.
Historical context
Work : Méry Laurent in the Black Hat |BRK| Artist : Édouard Manet |BRK| Year : 1882 |BRK| Museum : Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon |BRK| Dimensions : 44 x 54 cm |BRK|
Place in the artist's career
This painting is nestled at a pivotal period in Manet’s career, marking his rise in the art world. Through works such as “Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe” and “Olympia,” he evolves towards this painting , a symbol of his artistic maturity and bold exploration of portraiture. His move towards Impressionism is both technical and emotional, culminating in a pictorial work of new depth.
Anecdote
“Painting is a cry, a breath; it must be alive.” Manet, in his quest to evoke emotion, is inspired by Méry Laurent’s luminous face. That morning, in the flowering garden, the sunlight played on her black hat, creating a vibrant and captivating atmosphere that is reflected in his composition .