The Absinthe Drinker 1867 - 1868

"The Absinthe Drinker" is an etching by Édouard Manet, a leading figure in the French Realist and Impressionist movements. Created between 1867-1868, this artwork depicts a solitary figure shrouded in darkness, their face obscured by a top hat. The subject's posture and the presence of an empty absinthe bottle create a sense of desolation and societal alienation. Manet's masterful use of chiaroscuro and the stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the somber mood, capturing the anxieties of the time. The artwork's gritty realism and somber tone reflects the social issues and artistic trends of the 19th century.