Woman with umbrella 1875

Edouard Manet painted this portrait of a woman with an umbrella using oil on canvas. Instead of traditional, meticulous blending, Manet uses visible brushstrokes, almost like quickly applied daubs of paint, to create the image. This technique, more than just a stylistic choice, reflects the changing social context of art production. As industrialization altered the pace of life, artists responded by capturing fleeting moments and impressions. The visible brushwork also challenges traditional notions of artistic skill and labor, and shifts our attention from the subject of the portrait to the act of painting itself. There is a great deal of work involved in the painting process, but it is a different kind of work. By emphasizing the materials and process, Manet blurs the lines between fine art and craft. It’s not just about what is represented, but how it's made, inviting us to see the painting as both a depiction and a crafted object.