At the Prado 1863 - 1867

Edouard Manet created this etching, "At the Prado," during the 1860s. The image depicts a group of women cloaked in black, likely in mourning, at the Prado Museum in Madrid. This work gives us insight into the cultural norms and social roles of women in 19th-century Spain. The heavy veils and somber attire serve as visual codes, signifying the women's social status and adherence to societal expectations. The location, the Prado Museum, was a significant cultural institution, and the presence of these women within its walls speaks to the relationship between art, culture, and society. Manet was part of the rise of Impressionism, a movement that questioned the conservative institutions of art. Was he making a social comment? To truly understand this etching, we must consider the historical context, turning to sources such as contemporary newspapers, literature, and social commentaries. The study of art is always a study of its time.