Description
Edouard Manet's painting The Plum Brandy is a masterpiece of French Impressionism, reflecting the artist's ability to capture the daily life of the time. The painting, measuring 74 x 50 cm, was created in 1877 and depicts two men, one of them the artist's brother, enjoying a glass of plum brandy in a Parisian café.
The composition of the work is impressive, with a perspective that emphasizes the diagonal that goes from the lower left corner to the upper right. The characters are located in the center of the painting, which gives them strong emphasis and makes them stand out from the background. Manet's technique is evident in the way he uses loose, rapid brushstrokes to create the texture of the surfaces and the details of the characters' clothing.
The color in this painting is very interesting, with warm and cool tones blending perfectly to create a cozy atmosphere. The deep red of the wall behind the characters contrasts with the green of the bottles and glasses, while the pale yellow of the background creates a sensation of natural light.
The story behind The Plum Brandy is also fascinating. The painting was exhibited at the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, but was rejected by the public and critics. However, Manet was not discouraged and continued to work on his technique, leading him to become one of the most influential artists of his day.
As for little-known aspects, Manet is said to have painted this work in a single day, demonstrating his skill and rapid painting technique. Furthermore, the figure seated at the table is believed to be Manet's brother, Eugène, who was a businessman and a big fan of plum brandy.
In conclusion, The Plum Brandy is a masterpiece of French impressionism that stands out for its composition, technique and color. The history behind the painting and little-known aspects make it even more interesting and valuable for art lovers.