The Balcony
- Original dimensions
- 124.5 x 170 cm
- Museum
- Musée d'Orsay
- Year
- 1868
Scene depicted
In this pictorial work , three elegant figures take their place on a Parisian balcony, witnessing the fashion and style of the time. The composition engages the gaze, blending intimacy and a view of the outside world. The fabric of the clothing delicately contrasts with the daylight, evoking curiosity about the story hidden behind these faces.
Historical context
Created in Paris in 1868, during a time when impressionism was beginning to emerge, The Balcony represents a milestone in the French artistic heritage. This painting, currently housed in the Musée d'Orsay, is part of the realistic movement, emphasizing the vibrancy of everyday life scenes.
Place in the artist's career
The Balcony, positioned between two other masterpieces like Olympia and Lunch on the Grass , marks a significant turning point in Manet's stylistic progression. It is a period of maturity where technique and emotion merge, revealing his artistic boldness.
Anecdote
“I wanted to capture the light of spring, this ephemeral sweetness, on this canvas.” Édouard Manet , lost in his thoughts while painting The Balcony , managed to immortalize this fragile atmosphere, creating a deep emotional connection with each observer.
Major exhibitions
Salon of 1869