The Suicide
- Original dimensions
- 46 x 38 cm
- Museum
- Emil G. Bührle Foundation and Collection
- Year
- 1879
Scene depicted
This painting , of dramatic intensity, depicts a tragic moment, that of a man confronted with his inner demons. The shadow of despair extends over the canvas, echoing the silent cries of the human soul. Manet captures not only despair but also the complexity of human emotions in a bold and captivating composition.
Historical context
In 1879, in Paris, against the backdrop of Realism and Impressionism , Édouard Manet created The Suicide . This canvas takes place in a time when painting seeks to capture the truth of human feelings. The painting , currently preserved at the Emil G. Bührle Foundation and Collection , measures 46 x 38 cm, a size that makes it quite intimate.
Place in the artist's career
The Suicide represents a crucial step in Manet's career, marking the transition to darker themes. In parallel, his works such as Lunch on the Grass and Olympia testify to a stylistic evolution, blending boldness and emotion in a quest for truth.
Anecdote
“Reality is even crueler than the imaginary,” said Manet, scrutinizing a face encountered in a dark alley in Montmartre. One spring morning, this fleeting moment became the source of inspiration for the masterpiece that is The Suicide .
Major exhibitions
Edouard Manet